Policy Update
Illinois Advances Small Farmer Restoration Program
May 15, 2025
Overview
On April 10, the Illinois House passed the Small Farmer Restoration Program Act (HB3067) to expand sustainable and equitable farming opportunities. Sponsored by State Representative Sonya Harper, the bill has since moved to the Senate for consideration.
- Why It Matters: New farmers, particularly those from low-income areas and communities of color, face systemic barriers to land ownership and farming opportunities. HB3067 seeks to reverse historical injustices and support a new generation of farmers focused on sustainable agriculture and community resilience. The bill would also help supplement an Illinois program at risk of losing federal funding that delivers fresh food from socially disadvantaged farmers to underserved communities.
Key Components of Illinois’ Bill
Illinois’ Small Farmer Restoration Program Act would boost sustainability, equity, and career pathways in agriculture by doing the following:
- Create the Small Farmer Restoration Program Fund: A special fund dedicated to providing grants for agricultural conservation easements and technical assistance to Illinois farmers.
- Prioritize Equity and Sustainability: Grant scoring would prioritize socially disadvantaged, limited-resource, and new or beginning farmers, as well as projects that support conservation priorities like water quality, climate resilience, and habitat protection.
- Launch a Farm Conservation Corps: In addition to the new Fund, an apprenticeship program for young adults (ages 18-29) from socially disadvantaged groups would be established, providing academic and vocational training for successful careers in agriculture.
Other State Actions on Sustainable Agriculture
As Illinois’ bill moves forward, at least 14 other states are also seeking to expand sustainable agriculture in 2025. Multiple states have been advancing their legislation, with Oklahoma having passed a bill (HB 1910) to increase funding for sustainable urban agriculture, and Washington having enacted SB 5391 to enhance its Sustainable Farms and Fields Grant Program.
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