07/29/2026
Congratulations to Panther Ridge Farms LLC
They're receiving a big grant ... $42,000..from the Illinois Department of Agriculture!
Illinois Department of Agriculture Awards Nearly $4 Million in Grant Funds for Local Food Infrastructure
FY27 State Budget Provides Additional Funding for Continued Investment
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) today announced the award recipients of the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program, distributing nearly
$4 million in fiscal year 2026 funding to support the continued expansion of Illinois’ local food system.
“Illinois continues to make critical investments that support the local farmers and food businesses that feed our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinoisans deserve fresh, nourishing food that was grown close to home, and these grants will help producers statewide expand access to locally grown products in their own communities.”
The Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program was created to strengthen the capacity of Illinois producers and food businesses to store, process, package, aggregate, and distribute locally grown products. Funding supports essential investments that help move Illinois-grown food from farm to consumer while building long term resilience within the state’s food supply chain.
The FY26 budget allocated funds for both collaborative and individual projects. Selected grantees represent a diverse group of farms, cooperatives, nonprofits, food hubs, local governments, and food businesses, with awards ranging from $1,000–$250,000 for collaborative projects and $1,000–$75,000 for individual applicants.
LFIG funds of $2 million were appropriated in the FY27 budget passed by the Illinois General Assembly earlier this week. The grant dollars currently being distributed reflect two years’ worth of funding, combining appropriations of $2 million each from FY 25 and FY26.
"The Local Food Infrastructure Grant reflects our commitment to supporting Illinois agriculture,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “These awards will help farmers, food businesses, and community partners expand their capacity and reach new markets. When we invest in local food infrastructure, we are creating economic opportunity for businesses while ensuring Illinois residents have greater access to fresh, locally grown foods.”
“These investments are a win for Illinois farmers, food producers and families who help keep our state nourished,” said Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), Chief Senate Sponsor. “When we strengthen local food infrastructure, we help fresh food reach more communities while creating new opportunities for the people who grow and produce it.”
“Illinois’ agriculture is the backbone of our state, and it’s essential that we continue our commitment to strong investments into our local farms,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “From expanding food businesses to helping farmers, this funding will allow the agriculture industry to continue to grow.”
"For too long, many of Illinois' small farmers and local food businesses had the passion and the products but lacked the infrastructure to grow. This investment helps close that gap by funding the cold storage, equipment, processing, transportation, and other tools that allow producers to build sustainable businesses, reach new markets, and feed more Illinois families,” said Representative Sonya Harper, Chief House Sponsor and Chair of House Agriculture and Conservation Committee. “I'm proud to have led this effort in the General Assembly because strengthening our local food system strengthens our economy, our communities and our food security."
