Public Comment Period Open for Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant

The Illinois Department of Agriculture published a Notice of Proposed Rule for the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program on April 4, 2025. A public comment period is open for 45 days following publication. The Local Food Infrastructure Grant will make $1.8 million available to assist Illinois applicants with purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building, or installation of infrastructure that will increase market access of Illinois agricultural products to Illinois communities. Funding can support value-added processing, livestock processing, milling, dairy, refrigerated vehicles, food hubs, community kitchens and other critical pieces of the local food supply chain. The proposed rule addresses application evaluation criteria, eligibility, and the application and award processes.