New law expands poultry processing limits

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Legislation lifting long-standing restrictions on small poultry farms in Illinois was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker after unanimous approval in both General Assembly chambers.

Under the bill, farmers who process fewer than 7,500 birds annually would be exempt from state and federal inspections of their poultry operations or from having to send birds to U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved processing facilities. The previous threshold was 5,000.

The change, part of an update to the Illinois Meat and Poultry Inspection Act, also allows farmers to sell their poultry beyond their own farms, including at farmers markets, roadside stands and through delivery. The bill is effective on Jan. 1.

In addition, the bill eliminates the requirement that a person own an animal — not just poultry — for 30 days prior to processing for their own household use.

The bill has safeguards for safety, including labeling requirements, strict temperature requirements, leak-proof packaging, food safety certifications and notice to customers that their poultry is exempt from continuous USDA or Illinois Department of Agriculture inspection.

“Our small-scale farmers oftentimes find themselves knee deep in red tape,” said state Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, the bill’s primary sponsor in the House.

“This bill eases the burden on them and will give our communities farm-fresh poultry at our farmers markets and farm stands. I’m sick of seeing small farms and processing facilities shut their doors because they can’t keep up with Illinois regulations.”

Meier worked with several stakeholders to pass this legislation, including the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Illinois Farm Bureau, health departments and others.

Meier also noted that this bill brings Illinois closer to the regulation that neighboring states follow.

“This is important for our small farmers to be able to get their product to the community, and that’s what this is all about,” said state Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, primary sponsor in the Senate.

“Farmers in my community, especially small farmers, are important to me, personally, but also to our whole district.”

Advocates

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance was among the organizations supporting this legislation.

“This is a transformative win for our members. It gives small farmers the tools they need to succeed while respecting food safety and community traditions,” said Liz Moran Stelk, ISA executive director.

One such farmer is Bethany Salisbury of Saratoga Homestead in Henry in north-central Illinois.

“Last year, the only processor in the state offering duck processing closed. The only processor offering quail processing stopped offering that service,” Salisbury said.

“The timely passage of this law will allow me to continue producing quail, waterfowl and other poultry with safe, on-farm processing to continue meeting the needs of consumers in my community.”

Another is Anna Morrell of The Little Farm at Weldon Springs in DeWitt County in central Illinois.

“Passing this law opens the door to new possibilities for our business. We will be able to scale production up or down as we need, with fewer constraints, less overhead and more flexibility. This bill is a fantastic opportunity for small farmers,” Morrell said.

“This is about common-sense reform that supports local food, local economies and local farmers. We thank all our members, allies and legislative champions who made this possible,” Stelk added.