Introduction
This bill allows counties or municipalities to create urban agricultural zones made up of organizations or individuals who grow produce or other agricultural products, raise or process livestock or poultry or sell a minimum of 75% locally grown food. Sales tax revenue from agriculture products would be deposited into an urban agriculture zone faction of a UAZ and the funds collected would be determined by the local government fund, and monies collected in the fund would be specified for a county, municipality or school district.
● Provides new opportunities for local economic development
● Increases funding for educational programs focused on nutrition and local farms
● Improves community access to healthy food choices, and overall public health, reduces property tax burden on local farmers
● The bill will require stringent county and municipal public hearing and notice requirements before adoption of establishing a UAZ
State Action
NBCSL member Rep. Sonya Harper provided leadership and coordination getting this important legislation passed. HB3418 will help open doors for urban farmers to supply healthy foods, grow valuable jobs, and revitalize land in communities needing extra support.
ILLINOISState of Illinois HB 3418 , The creation of Urban Agriculture Zones | |
 | NBCSL Member Sponsor: Rep. Sonya Harper (IL) Summary: This bill allows counties or municipalities to create urban agricultural zones made up of organizations or individuals who grow produce or other agricultural products, raise or process livestock or poultry or sell a minimum of 75% locally grown food. {phocadownload view=file|id=230|target=s} |