(505 ILCS 72/15)

Sec. 15. Inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers.

(a) The Department shall ensure the inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers, including socially disadvantaged farmers in urbanized areas, in the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, regulations, policies, and programs.

(b) The Department shall:

(1) consult with the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of Natural Resources, the Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Secretary of Human Services, and other interested parties of the public and private sector of the State on opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers to coordinate State programs;

(2) disseminate information regarding opportunities provided by, including, but not limited to, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the General Accounting Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and other federal agencies that have programs that may assist socially disadvantaged farmers; and

(3) evaluate opportunities for the inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers in boards, committees, commissions, and other similar positions created by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 100-1039, eff. 8-23-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)