Section 700.APPENDIX A   Illinois Department of Agriculture

Section 700.EXHIBIT A   Illinois Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Land Preservation Policy Statement

Policy Statement

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (DOA) recognizes the importance of the agricultural industry to the health of the state's economy.  The agricultural industry cannot continue to contribute to the state's economic well-being with the unwarranted destruction of its finite land base.  Therefore, it shall be the policy of the DOA to promote the protection of Illinois farmland from unnecessary conversion and degradation.  The methods to be utilized in implementing the policy are described in 8 Ill. Reg. 700.APPENDIX A:  EXHIBIT B.  Except for the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, the DOA does not have any programs or activities that acquire or convert agricultural land.

DOA Efforts to Protect

Illinois Farmland

The DOA has been designated as the lead agency in carrying out the state's farmland protection program.  In fulfilling that role, the DOA shall institute the following efforts:

1.         The DOA shall sign cooperative working agreements with the agencies named in Section 3 of the Act to identify which agency projects shall be subject to review to assess impact on agricultural land and to specify how the mechanics of the project review shall take place.

2.         The DOA shall continue to implement the Project Review Process (see 8 Ill. Adm. Code 700.APPENDIX A:  EXHIBIT B).

3.         When a conflict exists between the DOA and an agency on avoiding or reducing the conversion of agricultural land to nonagricultural use and/or secondary impacts, the DOA shall utilize the steps outlined in the conflict resolution process (see 8 Ill. Adm. Code 700.APPENDIX A:  EXHIBIT C).

4.         Since the majority of the decisions which lead to the conversion of farmland are made at the local level, the DOA shall be continue to execute an assistance program for local governments wishing to devise farmland protection programs.

5.         The DOA shall continue its public information program to increase awareness of the problems resulting from the conversion of farmland.  The program shall include utilizing the news media, regional seminars, speaking engagements to organizations and educational institutions, preparation of pamphlets, brochures and other written material, and other informational activities.

(July, 1987, revised)

(Source:  Exhibit A renumbered from Appendix A and amended at 11 Ill. Reg. 20527, effective December 2, 1987)