Illinois agriculture worked together this week magnifying farmer voices on a collection of topics.

1. Supporting the Livestock Industry

Farmer led organizations signed a letter supporting language in the House’s farm bill that prevents a segmented marketplace for livestock producers. The legislation challenges California’s infamous Proposition 12 and reinstates market certainty for Illinois farmers. Proposition 12 impacts the Illinois pork industry which supports nearly 34,000 jobs and contributes $3.3 billion to the economy.

2. Support for a Bipartisan farm bill

The IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Illinois Soybean Association penned a letter to some members of the House Committee on Agriculture requesting a bipartisan, honest farm bill. The letter highlighted the legislation’s additional funding for market development and crop insurance coverage. However, it raised questions on additions to Title I made at the expense of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“While our top priority is protecting crop insurance, our second is a bipartisan farm bill. We are encouraged by proposals that increase trade program funding and guarantees for ARC. However, we cannot overlook the funding mechanism in the House proposal that undermines SNAP programs Americans rely on and creates a clear partisan divide,” said the letter.

“As an industry and state, it is important we stand alongside and support each other,” ICGA President Dave Rylander said. “As the farm bill and other policies progress, we will continue to work together on issues impacting our memberships.”