IL HB4191

Creates the Agricultural Assembly Act requiring the Department of Agriculture to convene an Agricultural Assembly bi-annually to identify and prioritize issues affecting Illinois agriculture and form recommendations to address them.

Establishes the goal of providing advisory recommendations to government and stakeholders (farmers, agribusinesses, educators, universities, conservationists) on expanding, enhancing, streamlining, or curtailing agriculture-related programs and policies.

Sets eight objectives for the Agricultural Assembly including gathering grassroots input, providing forums statewide, developing messaging on profitable and sustainable agriculture, recommending courses of action, and educating the public about agriculture.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a steering committee with 15 members representing farmers, commodity associations, corn growers, soil/water conservation, researchers, women in agriculture, beef/pork/soybean producers, organic farmers, university deans, grain/feed industry, chemical/fertilizer industry, grape growers, and agribusiness.

Mandates the Agricultural Assembly program consist of at least 4 regional forums and a statewide meeting, with written recommendations filed to the House Clerk, Senate Secretary, and Governor by December 31, 2009; takes effect immediately upon passage.