Food Production
Illinois has more than 74,000 farms covering some 27 million acres, or about 75% of the state’s total land area.
Agricultural commodities in Illinois generate more than $19 billion annually, and billions more from agriculture-related industries.

food production
Farms cover about 75% of the Illinois' total land area.

Habitat & Wildlife
Native Illinois habitats are changing and disappearing.
Food Production in Illinois
Current Food Production Laws
In addition to growing local food, processing and selling food locally is important to encourage the sales of local food and develop local economies. The cottage food operations act gives regulatory guidelines on how “non-hazardous” foods made in a home kitchen such as baked goods and canned goods can be sold and distributed. These products are labeled as homemade and the seller cannot gross more than $25,000 annually in sales. This legislation was passed in 2011 and changes were made in 2014.
A bill, HB3063, passed in 2017 now allows food, such as baked goods, but excluding most meats, that hasn’t been inspected to still be sold at farmers markets.
Food Production Updates
New House Speaker, New 2021 Legislative Session Begins
As we look ahead to the spring session, we will be working with the new General Assembly on key environmental priorities, while protecting environmental programs...
Read More >>Livestock Operations
The Livestock Facilities Management Act regulates large animal facilities that house thousands of hogs, chicken, or cows. It is also used to actively supersede local...
Read More >>Open Space Town Hall
Tuesday, July 28 | Noon | Register via Zoom using the form below IEC will be joined by speakers from groups including American Rivers and...
Read More >>Clean Energy Town Hall
Tuesday, July 14 | 1PM | Register via Zoom using the form below IEC will be joined by speakers from Vote Solar, Elevate Energy, and...
Read More >>Food Systems Town Hall
Friday, July 10 | Noon | Register via Zoom using the form below IEC will be joined by speakers from Chicago Food Policy Action Council, Earthjustice...
Read More >>Our Food System and COVID: How to Improve Security and Resilience
This webinar will explore how the Covid-19 pandemic exposed fractures within our food chain, and how shifting towards a decentralized food system that strengthens local...
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