IL HB5201

Establishes the Agriculture Equity Commission to promote equity in Illinois agriculture and address historical losses and barriers faced by African American farmers and other minority groups in the agricultural sector.

Commission consists of 29 members including legislators, agency directors, minority caucus representatives, socially disadvantaged farmers, nonprofit organization representatives, and agriculture experts appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders.

Members serve without compensation and must convene within 60 days of the act's effective date, with quarterly meetings thereafter and a chair elected from among members.

Commission duties include studying equity for disadvantaged farmers, analyzing all agriculture types, developing policy recommendations in areas such as land access, capital, education, infrastructure, and market access through workgroups.

Commission must annually report findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly, and develop annual plans for education events and trainings for socially disadvantaged farmers and growers.