State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) is praising the recent signing of bipartisan legislation he co-sponsored this year that expands access to land, training, and financial support for the next generation of farmers in Illinois.
Senate Bill 2372, which addresses the aging farming population and declining number of new farmers, is being heralded as a proactive step toward a more resilient agricultural future.
“Illinois’ agricultural future depends on our ability to support the young and beginning farmers who will feed and sustain our communities in the decades to come,” said Wilcox. “This bill creates real opportunities through mentorship, land access, and state-backed funding. It ensures farming doesn’t become a profession only available to those with generational wealth or existing family farms.”
SB2372 establishes a Beginning Farmer Support Program within the Illinois Department of Agriculture, expands eligibility for state-backed low-interest loans, and incentivizes landowners to lease or sell land to new farmers through tax credits. It also supports technical training partnerships with community colleges and agriculture programs.
“Our rural economies thrive when young people see a future in farming as a viable career path,” said Wilcox. “This bill helps remove barriers that too often keep talented, driven individuals from pursuing a career in agriculture and farming.”
Agriculture advocates and educational institutions across the state have expressed strong support for the new law, citing its potential to build a more sustainable farming landscape. With Illinois being a national leader in corn, soybean, and specialty crop production, SB2372 ensures that momentum can continue with a new generation at the helm.