The Associated Press is reporting on the Chicago Tribune website that Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed into law a bill that aims to increase the “demand for locally grown food.”Under the system the statute sets up, state agencies would be required to purchase 20% of their food from local food sources. This 20% mark must be met by the year 2020. The bill also allows food purchasers for state agencies to pay 10% above the lowest bid if they are purchasing “locally grown produce.”
Governor Quinn signed the bill during the Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Jacqueline Collins from Chicago. One goal behind the measures is to increase the availability of locally grown, fresh, and healthy food for low-income areas in Chicago. At the same time, the measure aims to increase market access for Illinois farmers.
To read the Associate Press story on the Illinois statute click here.
Posted: 08/18/09
