What We're Working On» March 2025

Governmental Affairs Committee members approved the following priorities for 2025.

We will work to ensure that farmland in Cook County is assessed in a fair and reasonable manner.  Additionally, we will work with the Cook County Assessor’s Office to further streamline the farmland affidavit process. 

We will work with the forest preserve district to ensure that hay and row crop farming opportunities remain available to local farmers interested in pursuing rental agreements with the district.  If requested, Farm Bureau will provide assistance with advertising available parcels, the rental process, paperwork, and deadlines.

We will work to ensure that urban agriculture, which encompasses a wide range of activities involving the raising, cultivation, processing, marketing, and distribution of food in urban and suburban settings, remain permissible under municipal and county ordinances. 

Farm Bureau will actively work to implement Farm Bureau’s policies on urban agriculture and food access.  Farm Bureau policies are developed and proposed by members through a grassroots process.

We will work the Cook County Department of Building and Zoning regarding local farms, farm buildings, and the farm exemption process in unincorporated Cook County.

We will actively work to ensure that modern farming practices are not deemed a nuisance under Cook County ordinances.

We will actively work to build relationships with Cook County elected officials and their staffs.

Farm Bureau will continue to work diligently on behalf of Cook County Farm Bureau members.