HB2557 - Farmer Equity and Innovation Act

• Create a Farmer Equity and Innovation Center at University of Illinois Extension, subject to appropriation and Board of Trustees approval

• Center shall support small-scale and moderate-scale diversified farms and ranches with priority given to limited resource farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers

• Establish a Farmer Equity and Innovation Program that includes applied research, outreach, training for new and beginning farmers, and informational services

• Require University of Illinois to increase Small Farm Advisor positions to 6 total to support the Center's work

• Center must conduct annual demographic study and report to Governor and General Assembly on farmers and ranchers participating in the Program