(505 ILCS 82/20)

Sec. 20. Use of funds. The funds shall be expended as follows:

(1) To support a broad program of food and agricultural research, to include, but not limited to, research on natural resource, environmental, economic, nutritional, and social impacts of agricultural systems, human and animal health, and the concerns of consumers of food and agricultural products and services.

(2) To build and maintain research capacity including construction, renovation, and maintenance of physical facilities; acquire and maintain equipment; employ appropriately trained and qualified personnel; provide supplies; and meet the expenses required to conduct the research and related technology transfer activities.

(3) To fund an innovative competitive grants program administered by the Department of Agriculture within the guidelines and procedures established by the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research. The grants program is intended to be organized around desired practical, quantifiable, and achievable objectives in the food and agricultural sector. The Board of Directors of the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research shall evaluate and recommend the proposals for funding. Proposals may be submitted by any nonprofit institution, organization, or agency in Illinois. The principal investigator must be a qualified researcher with experience in a food and agriculture related discipline. Funds from other sources (both public and private) may be combined with funds appropriated for this Act to support cooperative efforts.

It is intended that the universities that receive these funds shall continue (i) to operate and maintain the on-campus buildings and facilities used in their agriculture related programs and provide the support services typically provided other university programs, and (ii) to fund agricultural programs from the higher education budget.

(Source: P.A. 97-879, eff. 8-2-12.)