; (4) strengthens capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains; (5) improves income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation and improved regional food system infrastructure; and (6) simplifies the application processes and the reporting processes for the Program. (c) Regional partnerships (1) Partnership agreements (A) In general The Secretary, in accordance with the purposes of the Program described in subsection (b), may enter into 1 or more partnership agreements to plan and develop a regional food system by supporting eligible activities. (B) Parties to partnership agreements The Secretary shall enter into a partnership agreement with— (i) 1 or more eligible partners; and (ii) 1 or more eligible entities. (C) Geographical diversity To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure geographical diversity in selecting partnership agreements. (2) Length of agreement (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a partnership agreement shall be for a period not longer than 5 years. (B) Extension Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary may extend a partnership agreement 1 time for not longer than 1 year if the Secretary determines that the extension is necessary to properly complete 1 or more eligible activities. (3) Terms of partnership (A) In general Under a partnership agreement, the eligible partner and the eligible entity shall— (i) determine the scope of the regional food system to be developed, including goals, outreach objectives, and eligible activities to be carried out; (ii) determine the local, regional, State, multi-State, or other geographic area covered; (iii) create and conduct a feasibility study, implementation plan, and assessment of eligible activities under the partnership agreement; (iv) conduct outreach and education to other eligible entities and eligible partners for potential participation in the partnership agreement and eligible activities