Resources

Illinois' Home-to-Market Act (HB2617) expands opportunities for small food entrepreneurs to sell directly to consumers at festivals, pop-ups, and from home-based operations.

Illinois law allows farmers raising poultry and rabbits to process up to 5,000 animals per year on their own property under specific regulations, maintaining food safety standards.

The Working Farms Fund expands access to affordable farmland by protecting agricultural land through conservation easements and long-term agreements toward land ownership.

The Cook County Land Bank Authority holds available parcels for sale across the county, including property suitable for agricultural use.

Illinois Farm Link connects farmland owners with farmers seeking to buy, lease, or transition agricultural land.

NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help growers implement conservation practices and improve long-term land stewardship.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) supports growers through operating loans, disaster assistance, conservation programs, and commodity services.

The Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition advances organics diversion and composting across the state through education, policy advocacy, and resource sharing.