Past recipients of Illinois’ Local Food Infrastructure Grant say the investment has had ripple effects, allowing them to share knowledge and equipment with other local food producers.
About $4 million will be available for farms and food processors across the state with fewer than 50 employees. Recipients can receive grants up to $75,000 for individual projects and $250,000 for collaborative projects.
The law created funding to support small farmers and food distributors in producing locally grown food for Illinois communities. The General Assembly found that 95% of the food consumed in Illinois is imported from outside the state. According to the law, shifting just 10% of that purchasing to local farms could generate billions of dollars in economic growth for Illinois.
The application, administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, is expected to open in early January. There are important pre-registration steps applicants can take now to avoid delays.
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