Bill > HB4922

This bill establishes the Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Infrastructure and Market Access Grant Program, to be administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture starting July 1, 2026. The program aims to increase agricultural production, strengthen farm viability, and expand market access for eligible applicants, which include "emerging farmers" (defined as women, veterans, persons with disabilities, American Indian or Alaska Native persons, members of communities of color, young persons, LGBTQIA+ individuals, urban farmers, and others determined by the Director) and "socially disadvantaged farmers" (individuals or aspiring farmers who have faced discrimination or bias in areas like land access, credit, or markets due to race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics). The program will utilize unexpended funds from previous fiscal years and allow grant money for infrastructure improvements, equipment, operational expenses, and market access initiatives, with priority given to those who haven't received state agricultural grants before, operate small farms, face social disadvantages, or propose projects that boost food production, create jobs, or expand access to Illinois-grown products. The Department of Agriculture will be responsible for adopting rules for the program, which may allow for self-attestation for eligibility verification, and will report annually to the General Assembly on grant awards and outcomes.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4922&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104