HB 3556

Abstract

Creates the Black Farmer Restoration Program Act. Creates the Black Farmer Restoration Program within the Illinois Department of Agriculture to support current Black farmers and to encourage the growth of Black farmers into the field of agriculture. Creates the Black Farmer Restoration Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the Fund shall consist of gifts, grants, donations, and appropriations which must be made to support the Program. Provides that expenditures from the Fund must be used exclusively to pay costs, fees, and expenses necessary to administer the Program. Establishes requirements and limitations for the Program. Establishes the Farm Conservation Corps to provide training in an on-field environment for socially disadvantaged residents. Provides that the Director shall make publicly available annual reports describing data on the recipients of the Department programs, including assistance from farm subsidy programs, and the amounts of the assistance, delineated by the race, ethnicity, and gender of the recipients. Defines terms. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Deletes provisions creating the Black Farmer Restoration Program. Provides that fee title acquisition grants to private landowners, socially disadvantaged farmers, and limited resource farmers shall be made from moneys in the Black Farmer Restoration Program Fund. Provides that the Programs created by the Act are subject to appropriation. Provides that subject to appropriation and in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, the Department of Agriculture shall establish the Farm Conservation Corps to provide residents between the ages of 18 and 29 from socially disadvantaged groups the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to pursue long-term and productive careers in agriculture. Provides that Not less than 75% (rather than 25%) of funds shall be provided to applicants that lease or sell to socially disadvantaged farmers. Defines "limited resource farmer". Effective immediately.