The Department of Agriculture adopted amendments to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Cannabis craft growers may apply for an increase to their canopy space of either 3,000, 6,000, or 9,000 square feet, subject to the Act’s space maximums.

The Department of Agriculture adopted amendments to the Illinois Dead Animal Disposal Act, easing restrictions on livestock producers when disposing of animal carcasses.

The Department of Agriculture ("DOA") adopted a new Part entitled Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, establishing a pilot program under which institutions of higher education may receive approval from DOA to cultivate industrial hemp.

The Department of Agriculture adopted an amendment to the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act incorporating a federal Food Safety and Inspection Service rule. 8 Ill. Adm. Code 125 (eff. June 17, 2016).

The Department of Agriculture adopted an amendment to the Part entitled Anhydrous Ammonia, Low Pressure Nitrogen Solutions, Equipment, Containers, and Storage Facilities concerning safety requirements pertaining to the handling, storage, and application equipment of anhydrous ammonia.

The Department of Agriculture ("DOA") proposed a new Part titled Industrial Hemp Pilot Program implementing a provision of the Cannabis Control Act. 8 Ill. Adm. Code 1100.

The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act has been amended to change the procedure for background checks of prospective cultivation center agents.

As of November 26, 2014, the Department of Agriculture will begin implementing its Forever Green pilot program.

The Department of Agriculture ("DOA") adopted amendments to implement Pub. Act 98-0122, which creates a pilot program for the cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis. 8 Ill. Adm. Code 1000 (eff. July 25, 2014).

The General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986 has been amended to allow for the formation of nonprofits for the purpose of cooperatively owning and operating agriculture-based anaerobic digestion systems.

The Illinois General Assembly passed a resolution effective this year to encourage collaboration between farmers' markets and convention centers.

Recently adopted administrative rules regulate the issuance of permits for maintenance of waste composting areas or facilities that exceed applicable rates.

The Illinois Vehicle Code has been amended to modify restrictions for non-highway vehicles (625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1).

The general assembly recently created a 29-member council tasked with developing Illinois forestry. 525 ILCS 15/6b. 

Illinois lawmakers in recent months beefed up the civil penalties for destroying a farmer's crops. Under amendments to the Criminal Code of 1961, any person who knowingly damages another's crops is liable to the crop owner for money damages "up to twice the market value of the crops damaged or destroyed." 720 ILCS 5/21-1.  

On September 9, 2009, the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District, reversed the judgment of the Circuit Court of Sangamon County and remanded with direction. 

The Department of Agriculture updated the state's Grain Code to establish a single system of governmental regulation for the Illinois grain industry. 8 Ill Adm Code 281.

A new Part was added to the Department of Agriculture's rules on Animals and Animal Products. 8 Ill Adm Code 190. 

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On October 6, 2000, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency adopted amendments to section 580 of the Illinois Administrative Code. 35 Ill Adm Code 580.

On June 25, 1999, the Illinois Department of Agriculture adopted new sections to section 258 of the Illinois Administrative Code. 8 Ill Adm Code 258.