With many urban areas in the State of Illinois containing vast food deserts and a lack of nutritional resources, state Rep. Mary E. Flowers, D-Chicago, is co-sponsoring a measure that will make it easier for small farmers and community organizations to provide fresh produce within designated urban agriculture zones. House Bill 3418 would allow local governments to work with community members and organizations to create urban agricultural zones to combat food deserts. Food deserts are defined as areas that lack access to healthy foods or where it is difficult to purchase them. Designated urban agricultural zones would empower residents by encouraging urban farming and cultivation. Properties designated as zones could be eligible for property tax abatement and reduction as well as discounted rates on water, electricity and resources used toward the cultivation of produce. House Bill 3418 recently passed out of the House and is expected to be heard for consideration in the Senate in the very near future.