How to Get a Nursery License in Illinois
If you want to operate a nursery in Illinois, you must apply for two different licenses with the state's Department of Agriculture. One is to operate your nursery, and the other is to buy and sell plants. In addition, you will need to submit to an inspection of your nursery and apply for any additional permits specific to your type of operation and the kinds of plants you may buy, store and sell.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture's website (a link is provided in the References section) and scroll down the page until you see the heading "Nursery Program."
-
2
Select "Application for Nursery/Greenhouse Certificate" by right-clicking on the title and selecting "Open in New Window." The form opens in PDF form, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader software to read.
-
-
3
Minimize the open window and go back to the Nursery Program heading.
-
4
Select "Nursery Dealer Certification" by right-clicking the heading, which opens a new window.
-
5
Minimize this window as well and refer back to the Nursery Program heading.
-
6
Select any and all permits you may also need, in the same manner as in steps 2 and 4.
-
7
Fill out and complete each application online. Then print each document and sign and date them.
-
8
Mail each document according to the address provided on each application.
-
9
Wait for the state Agriculture Department to contact you to arrange an inspection.
-
10
Make yourself available at the time and date of the inspection. Once the inspection is complete, the Department of Agriculture either issues your license or informs you of any problems you need to correct before issuance.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are using any type of pesticides, you will also need applicable permits and licenses as required under the pesticides program with the Department of Agriculture.
You can save data that you type in the application forms downloaded from the Department of Agriculture in the event you cannot complete all the forms in one setting. Simply save the data to your desktop and reopen from there later for completion.
Some nurseries looking to operate in the state of Illinois will also need approval and clearances from federal authorities, in addition to state approval as a result of either quarantine or regulatory procedures. You will need to check under the headings of "Environmental Issues" and then "Nursery Program" on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website to ensure you are in compliance with such regulations.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Nursery cot frame education 5 image by mdb from Fotolia.com
