August 7, 2023 – A new Illinois law encouraging community gardening initiatives, sponsored by State Sen. Doris Turner, was signed into law Friday.
Under House Bill 3892, the Illinois Housing Development Authority can now develop a program that encourages gardening best practices and could result in the sale of local produce to vendors across the state. The bill allows for the IDHA to collaborate with the University of Illinois and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to learn more about modern gardening, including vertical gardening, aquaponics and community gardening, as well as how to link gardens, businesses and individuals together to distribute locally grown produce.
“There’s an economic benefit that provides residents with the needed tools that they may not get otherwise and engages the community by encouraging people to spend more time outside,” Sen. Turner said in a press release. “This is a great opportunity to provide fruits and vegetables to the residents who can’t easily access a grocery store.”
The bill mandates such housing projects to supply the land and tools necessary to develop and maintain the gardens and small farms that will be established as a result. Turner served as HB 3892’s Chief Senate Sponsor, and the bill was first read on the House floor in February of 2023. It takes effect immediately.
