Farmers Push for Change at the State Capitol


By Lyndi Allen • April 16, 2026

Illinois farmers from across the state traveled to the state capitol this week to draw attention to the poor farm economy as the planting season begins. Farmers met with their representatives and key legislators to tell their farm family stories. During these discussions, three bills were brought forth that would help farmers now.


IL Corn’s State Priorities:

  • Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Program
  • Grants to offset costs of upgrading retail fueling equipment for renewable fuels
  • Helps fuel retailers modernize equipment
  • Expands access to renewable fuels like E15 statewide
  • Strengthens supply chains from farm to retail stations
  • Funding for the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC)
  • Funds to expand research capabilities and increase biomanufacturing workforce training
  • Advances cleaner, renewable fuels
  • Retains Illinois’s position as a national leader in biomanufacturing
  • Supports cutting-edge research at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)
  • Support the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act
  • Reforms to the Illinois Estate Tax and provide tax relief for Farm Families
  • Updates policy language to reflect modern farm estates and farm family descendants


IL Corn has your seat at the table for state policies affecting corn farmers. Throughout Illinois, agriculture supports jobs, lowers fuel costs, and powers our clean energy future. We will continue to advocate for corn farmers as well as emphasize the importance of expanding and strengthening market opportunities during the alarming downturn of the farm economy. Sign up for our advocacy alerts to contact your representatives about bills and issues that matter to you!


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