(505 ILCS 19/15)
Sec. 15. Illinois AgriFIRST Program Requirements.
(a) The Department shall review grant requests for the Illinois AgriFIRST Grant Program that are submitted to the Department. The Department, in reviewing the applications, must consider, but is not limited to considering the following criteria:
(1) The project has a reasonable assurance of
enhancing the value of agricultural products or will expand agribusiness in Illinois.
(2) Preliminary market and feasibility research has
been conducted by the applicant or others and there is a reasonable assurance of a potential market.
(3) The applicant has demonstrated the ability to
manage the business or commercialize the idea.
(4) There is favorable community support for the
project.
(5) There are favorable recommendations from local
economic development groups, university-based technical specialists, or other qualified service providers.
(6) The applicant demonstrates a personal commitment
and a commercialization development plan.
(7) There is an adequate and realistic budget
projection.
(8) The application meets the eligibility
requirements and the project costs are eligible under this Act.
(9) The applicant has established a need for the
grant.
(10) The economic impact of the project on the
State's agriculture and agribusiness sector.
(b) The Department may impose additional or lesser requirements for the grant. Preference for grants shall be given to, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Proposals for industrial and nonfood production
processes using Illinois agricultural products.
(2) Proposals for food, feed, and fiber products that
use Illinois agricultural products and add to the value of Illinois agricultural products.
(3) Research proposals that have not been duplicated
by other research efforts.
(4) Proposals that demonstrate that the applicant has
invested his or her own funds, time, and or other valued consideration in the project.
(5) Proposals that are reasonably expected to result
in a viable commercial application.
(6) Proposals that have a positive economic impact on
the State's agriculture and agribusiness sector.
(Source: P.A. 92-346, eff. 8-14-01.)
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