(505 ILCS 72/25)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 25. Disparity study; report.

(a) The Department shall conduct a study and use the data collected to determine economic and other disparities associated with farm ownership and farm operations in this State. The study shall focus primarily on identifying and comparing economic, land ownership, education, and other related differences between African American farmers and white farmers, but may include data collected in regards to farmers from other socially disadvantaged groups. The study shall collect, compare, and analyze data relating to disparities or differences in farm operations for the following areas:

(1) Farm ownership and the size or acreage of the farmland owned compared to the number of farmers who are farm tenants.

(2) The distribution of farm-related generated income and wealth.

(3) The accessibility and availability to grants, loans, commodity subsidies, and other financial assistance.

(4) Access to technical assistance programs and mechanization.

(5) Participation in continuing education, outreach, or other agriculturally related services or programs.

(6) Interest in farming by young or beginning farmers.

(b) The Department shall submit a report of study to the Governor and General Assembly on or before December 31, 2022. The report shall be made available on the Department's Internet website.

(c) This Section is repealed on January 1, 2024.

(Source: P.A. 101-658, eff. 3-23-21; 102-671, eff. 11-30-21.)