HB 3240

Abstract

Creates the Organic Transition Pilot Program Act. Provides that on or before July 1, 2024, the Department of Agriculture shall develop and oversee, for a period of 5 years, the Organic Transition Pilot Program. Provides that the pilot program shall support the economic viability of farmers and ranchers, prioritizing limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, by providing incentives, including, but not limited to, grants, research, technical assistance, and educational materials and outreach, to farmers or ranchers who intend to transition land to organic certification under the federal Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. In providing incentives under the pilot program, the Department shall: (1) provide incentives to socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher applicants who self-certify their intent to farm or ranch organically; (2) if there are moneys available after providing incentives, provide incentives to those limited resource farmer or rancher applicants who self-certify their intent to farm or ranch organically; and (3) If there are moneys available after providing incentives, provide incentives to any farmer or rancher applicants who self-certify their intent to farm or ranch organically. Provides that on or before July 1, 2024, the Department shall conduct a comprehensive statewide market analysis of the total economic impacts of Illinois' organic products sector. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2030.