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New Illinois Law Means Access to More Local and Sustainable Poultry
- Bob Benenson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Illinois Stewardship Alliance Led Campaign to Improve On-Farm Processing Rules
If you are an omnivore reader of Local Food Forum, we have great news: A measure signed into law by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker means there will be more delicious, sustainably produced local poultry available for sale at our state's farmers markets.
House Bill 2196 cleared the Legislature with overwhelming support thanks in great part of a campaign orchestrated by Illinois Stewardship Alliance, the state's leading policy advocate for local food farmers and eaters.
The new law allows poultry farmers to process up to 7,500 birds a year on their farms. Meat processing facilities that accommodate the needs of small farms are few and far between, so the measure reduces a major obstacle to the availability of locally and sustainably produced poultry.
Access is also improved by the provision of the new law that enables farmers to sell their on-farm-processed poultry at farmers markets. Under the previous law, they could only sell this meat directly at their farms.
Many of Illinois Stewardship Alliance's legislative priorities address esoteric farm and food issues that receive little attention for the general media, but have a big impact on our state's farmers and eaters. Local Food Forum congratulates the Alliance for this successful and important initiative.
The following is the email that Alliance Executive Director Liz Moran Stelk sent to followers:
You did it! House Bill 2196 has just been signed into law — a big win for poultry farmers, local food, and everyone who cares about fairness in farming.
This law removes unnecessary barriers that have held back poultry producers for years.Â
Farmers can now process up to 7,500 birds per year on-farm, sell directly at farmers markets, and consumers no longer need to meet a 30-day ownership rule before processing poultry and livestock for personal, family, or cultural use.Â
These changes align Illinois closer with our neighboring states and unlock new markets for local food producers.
Farmer members in our new Livestock Farmer Caucus identified this problem, worked collectively to draft legislation to solve it, and led us all in a powerful campaign to win it.
This victory happened because of you.Â
Your calls, letters, and public support moved this bill across the finish line. You stood up for farmer-led change — and lawmakers listened.
We’re grateful to state Senator Sally Turner and Representative Charlie Meier for championing the bill, and for agricultural stakeholders and public health leaders who worked with us in good faith to craft a responsible, forward-thinking solution.
HB2196 is more than a policy change. It’s a win for rural economies, cultural traditions, and the local food movement we’re all building together.
We’ll share additional resources and guidance soon on how farmers can take advantage of this change.
For now, take a moment to celebrate - you made this victory possible!
With deep gratitude and hope,
Liz Moran Stelk
Executive Director
Illinois Stewardship Alliance