Illinois Corn Farmers Advocate in Washington D.C.

The Illinois congressional delegation understands Illinois corn farmers’ priorities and challenges better this week after meeting with IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) leaders in Washington, D.C. During the time in D.C., farmer leaders met with 19 congressmen and over 60 partners, agencies, embassies, and non-government organizations. ICGA farmer leaders shared their story of on-farm struggles and successes, while providing facts and data to support policy changes to benefit Illinois agriculture.

Staff members and farmers from Wisconsin Corn, Michigan Corn, Kentucky Corn, Kansas Corn, and Tennessee Corn joined the lobbying effort. In addition, eight Grassroots Orientation to Washington D.C. (GROW) applicants applied and were chosen by IL Corn to learn more about how ICGA leads in D.C. The GROW program builds leadership skills among general farmer members by joining ICGA leaders at tables throughout Washington, D.C., to advocate for Illinois farmers.

The policy priorities for the 119^th Congress focus on Lock and Dam Funding, Farm Bill, Market Access for Higher Blends of Ethanol, and USMCA Renewal.

Lock and Dam Funding

• ICGA supports cost share changes in the upcoming Water Resources Development Act that would make certain dam rehab the responsibility of the federal government.

Farm Bill

• ICGA continues to advocate for a five-year farm bill after multiple extensions to the 2018 legislation. Our members’ top priorities include recalibrating crop insurance program and creating more flexibility in the United States Department of Agriculture’s conservation programs.
• ICGA supports a mandatory base acre update to preserve a level playing field for farmers across the U.S.
• ICGA supports a strong, bipartisan coalition for farm and food policy.

Renewable Fuels

• ICGA supports year-round E15 and high octane fuel legislation to allow higher blends of ethanol in the marketplace.
• ICGA supports policy to strengthen the usage of biofuels in offroad transportation sectors, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and maritime. 

Enforceable Trade Deals

• ICGA urges renewal of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) for trade.
• ICGA supports the development and implementation of comprehensive, enforceable trade deals. Within those deals, ICGA supports the furthering of science- and risk-based decision-making, enhancing meaningful market access, and lowering of non-tariff trade barriers.

Illinois farmers worked together to advocate for improving the livelihoods of all Illinois corn farmers. IL Corn continues to fight for farmer voices to be heard and save your seat at the table. We encourage our members to join us in our advocacy efforts through our political action committee (PAC) and calls-to-action.