Local Food, Farms and Jobs Update

It's time to celebrate!

Great News!
Sixteen months after the creation of the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force, the effort has come to harvest. Just days ago, the Illinois General Assembly overwhelmingly passed the Illinois Local Food Farms and Jobs Act, legislation that is based on a report from the Task Force.

Of significance, the Act creates a process to encourage state agencies and state owned facilities to purchase local food, including a 10% price preference in bids. The goal is for 20% of this food to be grown and processed in state by 2020. In addition, the Act creates the Illinois Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Council which will have up to 4 staff people to support food systems development.

Congratulations to the Task Force, legislative champions Julie Hamos and Jackie Collins, and everyone else who supported this historic measure.

Learn more here!