West Central Reporter

Illinois farms that host agricultural events for the public, including apple and pumpkin picking, could be eligible for financial assistance under a tax credit approved by the state legislature earlier this year.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) recently shared information about the agritourism tax credit in her week in review.

"Agritourism businesses across the state can now apply for up to $1,000 in relief from liability insurance costs for 2022 and 2023," Tracy wrote in a Nov. 4 Facebook post. 

Tracy's Week in Review noted the goal of the tax break was to help ease the costs for working farms to be opened to the public for visitors to take part in agricultural activities. The newsletter outlined what's considered to be part of the agritourism industry which include: hayrides, corn and sunflower mazes, petting zoos, pick your own crops, and farms that host educational activities. The application is available on the state's Department of Agriculture website.

In her week in review Tracy added that she was proud to support the bill when it passed and was signed into law as a Public Act in April.

The Senate approved the tax credit on April 19 as part of Senate Bill 157.