HB 4732

Abstract

Amends the Department of Agricultural Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Director of Agriculture, or his or her designee, shall convene a working group between persons in both rural agricultural areas and urban agricultural areas. Provides that the working group shall collaborate to improve farming development in the State, develop plans for a voluntary farmer-to-farmer assistance and mentorship program, and develop a proposal to include urban farming in agricultural educational programs. Amends the Agricultural Areas Conservation and Protection Act. Defines "county board" as the county board of any county in this State (rather than, the county board of any county in this State except those counties with a population of 1,000,000 or more). Removes acreage requirements for the proposal of an agricultural area. Provides that county boards, county committees, or planning commissions, with respect to the formation of any agricultural area shall consider whether the proposed agricultural area is within an urban agricultural area and eliminates the consideration of the nature and extent of land uses other than active farming within the proposed area. Defines "urban agricultural area". Makes other changes.