Governor Signs Law Expanding Poultry Processing Access for Illinois Farmers (Springfield, IL) – Illinois small farmers will soon have greater flexibility in raising and processing poultry, thanks to legislation signed into law this week.
House Bill 2196, backed by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, raises the annual on-farm poultry processing limit from 5,000 to 7,500 birds, permits direct-to-consumer poultry sales at farmers markets, and eliminates a 30-day ownership requirement for individuals processing poultry and livestock for personal or cultural purposes.
“This is a transformative win for our members,” said Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “It gives small farmers the tools they need to succeed while respecting food safety and community traditions.”
The law brings Illinois closer in line with federal standards and neighboring states, which advocates say will strengthen local food systems.
For farmers like Bethany Salisbury of Saratoga Homestead in Henry, the change is critical. “Last year, the only processor in the state offering duck processing closed. The only processor offering quail processing stopped offering that service,” she said. “The timely passage of this law will allow me to continue producing quail, waterfowl, and other poultry with safe, on-farm processing to continue meeting the needs of consumers in my community.”
Anna Morrell, who runs The Little Farm at Weldon Springs in DeWitt County, said the legislation will give producers more flexibility. “We will be able to scale production up or down as we need, with fewer constraints, less overhead and more flexibility. This bill is a fantastic opportunity for small farmers,” she said.
The measure passed both chambers with bipartisan support. It also includes safeguards such as leakproof packaging, safe handling labels, and strict temperature requirements to ensure consumer safety.
“This is about common-sense reform that supports local food, local economies, and local farmers,” Stelk said.
Read the full bill: https://ilga.gov/Legislation/
Learn more about the Illinois Stewardship Alliance at: https://ilstewards.org/
Governor Signs Law Expanding Poultry Processing Access for Illinois Farmers
