Actively work to repeal the one percent sales tax approved by the Cook County Board in July of 2015 and will actively oppose future additional tax increases.
Work to ensure that hay and row crop farming opportunities remain available to local farmers interested in pursuing rental agreements with the Cook County Forest Preserve District. If requested, Farm Bureau will provide assistance with advertising available parcels, the rental process, paperwork and deadlines.
Work to ensure that agriculture is protected during incorporation discussions. Unincorporated Cook County is home to most of the county’s production agriculture industry.
Work to ensure that urban agriculture, including but not limited to urban farms, community gardens and school gardens, remain permissible under municipal and county ordinances. Farm Bureau will work with those groups and organizations engaged in urban farming, community gardens and school gardens when feasible.
Ensure that farmland in Cook County is assessed in a fair and reasonable manner. Additionally, CCFB® will work with the Cook County Assessor’s Office to further streamline the farmland affidavit process.
Work with the Cook County Department of Building and Zoning regarding local farms, farm buildings and the farm exemption process in unincorporated Cook County.
Actively work to ensure that modern farming practices are not deemed a nuisance under Cook County ordinances.