By Andi Anderson
A new law in Illinois is set to improve opportunities for young farmers by addressing one of their biggest challenges—access to farmland.
Senate Bill 23-72, sponsored by State Senator Dale Fowler of Harrisburg, establishes the Farmland Transition Commission within the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The newly formed commission will examine the specific obstacles faced by farmers aged 25 to 40 who are seeking to enter or expand in agriculture. These challenges often include high land prices, limited availability of property for sale or lease, and competition from larger operations or non-farming investors.
In addition to studying these issues, the commission will develop policy recommendations aimed at creating more pathways for farmland ownership and tenancy among younger producers. Its work will also involve facilitating the actual transfer of farmland from retiring farmers or other owners to qualified young farmers.
Senator Fowler noted that the initiative is an important step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of Illinois agriculture by supporting the next generation of producers.
Farmland access has become a pressing issue in many rural communities, and the law seeks to remove barriers that prevent younger farmers from building viable operations.
By combining research, policy planning, and hands-on facilitation, the Farmland Transition Commission will serve as a resource for young farmers and the agricultural community at large.
Its efforts aim to strengthen rural economies, keep farmland in agricultural production, and encourage generational renewal in farming across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy