Today marks the 43rd anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for National Ag Day 2016 is "Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet." The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host major events in the nation’s capital including the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. These events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us.

IL Corn is in Washington, D.C. to participate in National Ag Day and is meeting with members of Congress to help further the important issues for American farmers. IL Corn’s top legislative priorities include:

• Secure funding for the Navigation Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) which will enable new and upgraded locks and dams along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.
• Preserve a robust and sustainable crop insurance for U.S. farmers.
• Promote programs that stimulate farmer profitability, maintain family farms in Illinois and preserving the economic boost agriculture is poised to provide. Among these programs are trade opportunities and the Renewable Fuels Standard, which both create demand.