I’m happy to report that with your help, our livestock caucus members’ bill to expand processing for Illinois farmers (HB2196) has now passed both chambers of the legislature unanimously! It now heads to the Governor to await his signature. For years farmers have struggled to find processing for poultry in Illinois that allows them to sell their poultry products at farmers' markets. Once signed, HB2196 helps fix that. It allows farmers to sell their poultry at farmers markets, farm stands, on farm, or delivered from the farm, and it also increases the annual cap from 5,000 head to 7,500 head per year. It also makes improvements for farmers wanting to sell live animals (not just poultry) to customers who want to process that animal themselves. These smart reforms for, and by, farmers means more healthy, fresh, local meat and poultry for you!

Ecdysis Foundation is in year 3 of one of the most ambitious agroecology experiment ever conducted, researching regenerative systems across North America. Find out more information about the project, how to get involved, and how to help below:

https://bit.ly/1000farms-initiative