IL Corn Attends Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day

On Wednesday, April 9, IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) took part in the Annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day (IALD), hosted by Illinois Department of Agriculture, joining other ag organizations and FFA students to advocate for Illinois’ agricultural priorities in Springfield, Illinois.

The day began at the FFA’s IALD program featuring guest speakers who discussed the importance of agriculture in Illinois. ICGA board members were able to meet and talk with FFA students and other agriculture professionals.

Following the program, ICGA board members had 14 meetings with legislators at the Capitol and Stratton Building, discussing our top policy issues that impact Illinois corn farmers. Our top priorities included:

• Support Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Program
• This bill would use existing industry funds to provide grants for upgrading fuel infrastructure to accommodate higher blends of renewable fuels. We ask that legislation co-sponsor and support its inclusion in the budget.
• Support Family Farm Preservation Act
• Reforms the Illinois Estate Tax and provides tax relief for Farm Families. The legislation Changes the current $4 million dollar threshold in 3 ways for estates that may claim the 2032a IRS agricultural special use valuation rule for Illinois Estate Tax Purposes.
• Oppose Pesticide Notification for Schools
• This bill introduces complex and redundant requirements for pesticide applications near schools. We urge lawmakers to pause the bill and pursue a collaborative, data-driven approach—like expanding existing mapping tools—to improve communication without adding regulatory complexity or hindering agriculture.

IL Corn thanks the lawmakers who took the time to meet with us and listen to the needs of Illinois corn farmers. IL Corn remains committed to advocating for policies that protect and provide opportunities for agriculture in our state.

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