(505 ILCS 84/5)
Sec. 5. Legislative findings.
Illinois should be the Midwest leader in local and organic food and fiber production.
One thousand five hundred miles is the average travel distance for food items now consumed in this State, and agricultural products sold directly for human consumption comprise less than 0.2% of Illinois farm sales.
Ninety-five percent of organic food sold in this State is grown and processed outside of the State, resulting in food dollars being exported.
Illinois ranks fifth in the nation in loss of farmland.
The market for locally grown foods and for organic food is expanding rapidly.
Consumers would benefit from additional local food outlets that make fresh and affordable Illinois grown foods more accessible in both rural and urban communities.
Communities are experiencing significant problems of obesity and nutrition, including lack of daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Low-income communities that are currently "food deserts" lacking sufficient markets selling fresh fruits and vegetables would benefit from local food distribution systems.
The State's urban communities are showing renewed interest in growing food in urban areas.
Rural communities would be revitalized by increasing the number of families in the State that live on small properties and by providing fresh high-value local food.
Farmers who wish to transition from conventional agriculture to local and organic food would benefit from training and support to diversify their farming operations.
Food consumers, farmers, and entrepreneurs would benefit from an expanded infrastructure for processing, storing, and distributing locally grown foods.
The capture of existing food dollars within the State would help to revitalize the State's treasury by creating a broad range of new in-state jobs and business opportunities within both rural and urban communities.
For the purposes of this Act and for the retention of the greatest benefit from every food dollar spent in this State, support for local food means capturing in Illinois the greatest portion of food production, processing, storing, and distribution possible.
(Source: P.A. 95-145, eff. 8-14-07.)
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Last modified: February 18, 2015