This week, the final draft of the farm bill was released by the House and Senate Conference.

Here's a summary:

• Creation of a new office within the USDA (Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production) with a mandate to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices.

• A $10 million annual appropriation for competitive grants to support research, education, and extension activities for urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural activities. 

• An amendment to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) making loan guarantees of up to $25 million available for the purchase and installation of energy efficient equipment or systems for agricultural production or processing. 

The next step? The president's signature and it becomes law!