; and (J) in establishing relationships with a wide range of field partners and in finding resources to assist such farmers, producers, or ranchers achieve efficient and viable food production; (5) provide information to urban farmers, producers, and ranchers about, and connect urban farmers, producers, and ranchers with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs; (6) provide information to urban farmers, producers, and ranchers concerning the availability of, and eligibility requirements for, participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs; (7) serve as a resource for assisting urban farmers, producers, and ranchers, and potential urban farmers, producers, and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and (8) advocate on behalf of urban farmers, producers, and ranchers in interactions with employees of the Department of Agriculture. (c) Contracts and cooperative agreements For purposes of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Urban Agricultural Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with research centers of the Agricultural Research Service, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )), or nonprofit organizations to— (1) conduct regional research on the profitability of small farms; (2) develop educational materials; (3) conduct workshops, courses, and certified vocational training; (4) conduct mentoring activities; or (5) provide internship opportunities. 6. Urban agriculture research initiative (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, for scientific and community-based participatory research on— (1) promoting and enhancing urban agriculture; (2) improving production efficiency and profitability of urban agriculture production; (3) marketing urban agriculture innovations and technologies