House Sponsors: WINTERS-LAWFER-WAIT-SMITH,MICHAEL, MYERS,RICHARD, RIGHTER, WIRSING, TENHOUSE, BOST, JONES,JOHN AND LEITCH. Senate Sponsors: MYERS,J Short description: RIVER-FRIENDLY FARMER PROGRAM Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Creates the Illinois River-Friendly Farmer Program Act. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a program to recognize farmers helping to clean up the State's rivers. Sets criteria for recognition. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Changes the title of the Act to the Illinois Rivers-Friendly Farmer Program Act and changes the title of the program in the same manner. Provides that farmers seeking the "Rivers-Friendly Farmer" designation may apply to the Department of Agriculture or to an agency designated by the Department by rule. Provides that in order to qualify for the designation, farmers must keep crop land soil loss within levels set by the State's Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines, must apply fertilizer in a manner consistent with Illinois Agronomy Handbook guidelines, and must apply manure in a manner that minimizes contamination within 200 feet, rather than 300, of areas needing special protection. SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Revises the criteria for earning the designation "Rivers-Friendly Farmer" that relate to vegetative filter strips and government conservation program participation. Provides that the Department of Agriculture may collect an administrative filing fee of $15 for each application for the designation, plus an amount equal to the cost of a sign that designates a farmer as a "Rivers-Friendly Farmer". Provides that all moneys collected by the Department shall be deposited in a promotional trust, as provided in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, to be used for the purposes of the program, as authorized by the Rivers-Friendly Farmer Program Act. Last action on Bill: PUBLIC ACT.............................. 91-0570 Last action date: 99-08-14 Location: House Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 1 SENATE - 1 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status