Illinois Bill Aims to Preserve Family Farms for Future Generations

Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson is championing a new bill aimed at securing the future of family farms in the state. With the majority of Illinois farms being family-owned, Swanson emphasizes the importance of passing these operations to the next generation. His legislation introduces state tax incentives for landowners who rent their farms to beginning farmers, complementing existing federal programs that support new agricultural ventures.

Swanson has collaborated with the Department of Revenue, the Farm Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture to craft a program that encourages young people to enter farming while assisting retiring farmers in transitioning their land. This initiative seeks to sustain Illinois' agricultural legacy by fostering opportunities for new farmers to thrive.

Listen to Swanson discuss the bill's details and its development in the attached audio.