SB2875 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 19680 SLF 34954 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
SB2875

Introduced 2/14/2018, by Sen. Chuck Weaver

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Agriculture may develop and implement organic, identity preserved, and value-added certification processes and programs that guarantee a buyer that the certified Illinois products have traits and qualities that warrant a premium price or an increase in added value. Provides that the Department may (i) identify international and domestic consumer preferences, (ii) identify the new markets those preferences indicate, particularly for value-added products, (iii) identify preserved products, (iv) underwrite demonstrations on foreign soils, and (v) provide market analyses and trend projections to farmers and other interested persons. Provides that the Department may accept and use planning grants or other financial assistance from the federal government (i) for statewide comprehensive planning work, including research and coordination activity directly related to agriculture needs; and (ii) for State and interstate comprehensive planning and research and coordination activity related to that planning. Grants shall be subject to the terms and conditions prescribed by the federal government. Repeals a Section creating the Forever Green Illinois Program which allows the Department of Agriculture to engage in the maintenance and beautification of greenery on property owned or controlled by the State or a unit of local government. Repeals the Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act labeling and certification program where a label with a specific name and unique design or logo may be placed on local farm and food products that are grown, processed, packaged, and distributed by Illinois citizens or businesses located wholly within the borders of Illinois. Repeals the Illinois AgriFIRST Program Act of 2001. Repeals the Dairy Statistics Act. Repeals the Illinois Food, Farms, And Jobs Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning agriculture.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Sections 205-42, 205-43, 205-45, and 205-62 as follows:

(20 ILCS 205/205-42 new)

Sec. 205-42. Certification. The Department may develop and implement organic, identity preserved, and value-added certification processes and programs that guarantee a buyer that the certified Illinois products have traits and qualities that warrant a premium price or an increase in added value. The Department may adopt rules setting certification and licensing standards for persons to certify products under this Section.

(20 ILCS 205/205-43 new)

Sec. 205-43. Market access. The Department may (i) identify international and domestic consumer preferences, (ii) identify the new markets those preferences indicate, particularly for value-added products, (iii) identify preserved products, (iv) underwrite demonstrations on foreign soils, and (v) provide market analyses and trend projections to farmers and other interested persons.

(20 ILCS 205/205-45) (was 20 ILCS 205/40.36)

Sec. 205-45. "Illinois Product" label program. The Department has the power to administer the "Illinois Product" label program, whereby a label with the words "Illinois Product" on it may be placed on food and agribusiness commodities produced, processed, or packaged in Illinois. The definition of "Illinois Product" does not imply that the product meets the definition of "local farm or food products" as defined in the Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-579, eff. 8-18-09.)

(20 ILCS 205/205-62 new)

Sec. 205-62. State agriculture planning agency. The Department is the State agriculture planning agency. The Department may accept and use planning grants or other financial assistance from the federal government (i) for statewide comprehensive planning work, including research and coordination activity directly related to agriculture needs; and (ii) for State and interstate comprehensive planning and research and coordination activity related to that planning. Grants shall be subject to the terms and conditions prescribed by the federal government.

(20 ILCS 205/205-46 rep.)

(20 ILCS 205/205-103 rep.)

(20 ILCS 205/205-450 rep.)

Section 10. The Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by repealing Sections 205-46, 205-103, and 205-450.

(30 ILCS 105/5.560 rep.)

Section 15. The State Finance Act is amended by repealing Section 5.560.

(505 ILCS 19/Act rep.)

Section 20. The Illinois AgriFIRST Program Act of 2001 is repealed.

(505 ILCS 50/Act rep.)

Section 25. The Dairy Statistics Act is repealed.

(505 ILCS 84/Act rep.)

Section 30. The Illinois Food, Farms, and Jobs Act is repealed.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.