BLACK FARMERS AND GROWERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE VISITED THE STATE CAPITOL WEDNESDAY FOR THEIR FIRST LOBBY DAY. 

THE GROUP IS PUSHING FOR SEVERAL BILLS TO HELP BOOST EQUITY WITHIN THE STATE’S AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY. CHICAGO REPRESENTATIVE SONYA HARPER WELCOMED FARMERS AND GROWERS TO SPRINGFIELD.

ACCORDING TO THE ILLINOIS STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE, OF THE APPROXIMATELY 70-THOUSAND FARMS IN THE STATE, LESS THAN 200 ARE OWNED BY BLACK FARMERS.

LEGISLATION INCLUDES GRANTS FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AS WELL AS TRAINING, TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND INCREASING LAND ACCESS.