HB3557 Summary

• Amends the Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act to define "socially disadvantaged farmers" as Illinois farmers subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice, including those certified as minority-owned businesses under the Business Enterprise Program.

• Sets an aspirational goal that at least 10% of food and food products purchased by State agencies be local farm fresh produce or food products produced by socially disadvantaged farmers.

• Sets an aspirational goal that at least 10% of food and food products purchased by State-funded entities spending over $25,000 annually on food be locally produced by socially disadvantaged farmers.

• Allows socially disadvantaged farmer bidders to receive preference in State procurement contracts if their bid cost does not exceed the competing bid by more than 10%.

• Requires State agencies to develop tracking systems using fiscal year 2020 as a baseline and report annually on purchases of local farm products produced by socially disadvantaged farmers.