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, with the goal of increasing agricultural production, strengthening farm viability, and expanding market access for eligible applicants. An "eligible applicant" is defined as an emerging farmer, a socially disadvantaged farmer, or a farm entity primarily owned and controlled by such farmers operating in Illinois. An "emerging farmer" includes individuals from various groups such as women, veterans, persons with disabilities, people of color, young people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and urban farmers, among others. A "socially disadvantaged farmer" is an individual who has faced systemic discrimination or bias in areas like land access, credit, or markets due to characteristics such as race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, or disability, with "social disadvantage" referring to diminished opportunity and disproportionate barriers linked to such discrimination. "Infrastructure" encompasses necessary facilities and systems for farming and market access, including land preparation, utilities, processing, and distribution. The program will utilize unexpended funds from previous fiscal years and allows grant funds for capital improvements, equipment, operational expenses, and market access initiatives, with no matching fund requirement. Priority will be given to applicants who haven't received state grants before, operate small farms, demonstrate social disadvantage, and propose projects that boost food production, create jobs, or expand access to Illinois-grown products. The Department will report annually to the General Assembly on the program's outcomes.