IL HB4447

Amends the Food and Agriculture Research Act to allocate research funds through the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) to public and non-public institutions of higher education, replacing previous fixed percentage allocations to specific universities.

Removes the pro rata funding percentages (82% Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, 11% Southern Illinois University, 4% Illinois State University, 3% Western Illinois University) and the requirement for triennial Director reviews of these percentages.

Requires C-FAR to prepare annual reports to the General Assembly, Governor, and participating institutions detailing research programs being supported.

Establishes that a competitive grants program for innovative food and agricultural research shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture according to C-FAR guidelines, with proposals accepted from any nonprofit institution, organization, or agency in Illinois.

Creates the Food and Agricultural Research Fund as a special fund in the State treasury to receive and manage additional grants and donations for research in conjunction with appropriated funds.