in sustainable and ethical practices. (6) By supporting the growth and advancement of local and regional food systems, the people of the United States are investing in an environmentally and economically resilient food and agriculture system that provides opportunity and livelihoods for farmers, ranchers, businesses, and employees throughout the economy. 902. Expanding the Food Leveraging Investment for Network Coordination (LINC) Program (a) Increase in number of value chain coordinators The Secretary of Agriculture shall expand Rural Development Agency participation in the Food Leveraging Investment for Network Coordination (LINC) program, a public-private partnership to enhance regional food-value chains, to deploy during each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 at least 25 full-time value chain coordinators to provide local food sector coordination services. (b) Location of value chain coordinators The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that at least 5 value chain coordinators deployed under subsection (a) are located in each of the following: (1) The Pacific Northwest region of the United States. (2) The Northeast region of the United States. (3) The Western region of the United States. (4) The Midwest region of the United States. (5) The Southern region of the United States. (c) Coordination services described The duties of a value chain coordinator include the following: (1) Identifying and connecting interested persons through short-term engagement, helping to build relationships across the food value chain by engaging interested persons, maintaining communication channels, and fostering a trusting environment among interested persons. (2) Identifying and pursuing resources, such as grants, loans, and services to support value-chain collaborators as they develop their enterprises. (3) Raising policy issues and partnering with interested persons to address policies and procurement requirements. (4) Working with food chain members to build capacity through education and training programs in such areas as