Legislative Priorities

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Our overarching goal is to promote policy that drives corn demand, as demand will ultimately help family farmer profitability.

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IL Corn Growers Association Priorities

As your advocate on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. and at the state capitol in Springfield, IL, all legislative priorities pursued by the IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) begin with your influence. Our 4,000 members actively contribute their perspectives, ensuring a voice for Illinois corn growers. The agenda is shaped by you.

ICGA’s legislative process starts at the grassroots, with members sharing concerns through meetings and surveys. Top issues are elevated to the Board, which sets annual priorities each November. Members are encouraged to share these priorities with elected officials to show how they impact Illinois corn growers.

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State Priorities

  • Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Program

    Some existing fuel dispensing and tank infrastructure need upgrades to support higher blends of renewable fuels. The proposal awards grants from existing industry funds to incentivize upgrading the infrastructure for cleaner biofuels. 

  • Continued funding for NCERC

    ICGA crafted the idea of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) in 1996 and have supported the facility since its creation in 2003. ICGA priorities continued funding for NCERC in FY24.

  • Continuing Education Credits for Pesticide License

    Applicators of pesticides are required to meet certain certification and licensing standards to legally handle and supervise the use of pesticides. To maintain the certification and licensing, applicators are required to retake the exam once every 3 years. Seeking to incorporate Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for Illinois applicators. 

  • Support Family Farm Preservation Act

    Reforms the Illinois Estate Tax and provides tax relief for Farm Families. Updates to reflect modern farm estates and farm family descendants. 

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Federal Priorities

  • Lock and Dam Funding

    ICGA supports passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The legislation reinforces lock and dam funding critical to the state’s extensive grain export market. In November 2021, the Biden administration signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The legislation funds updates to Illinois’ locks and dams. However, since the bill’s passage, cost increases have created a barrier to the projects progress. ICGA requests the IIJA be amended in the upcoming Water Resources Development Act 2024 (WRDA24) negotiations to fully fund all IIJA projects to completion as intended by congress.

  • Farm Bill

    ICGA continues to advocate for a five-year farm bill after multiple extensions to the 2018 legislation. Our members top priorities include maintaining a robust crop insurance program, increasing funds for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), and creating more flexibility in the United States Department of Agriculture’s conservation programs.

  • Renewabel Fuels

    IL Corn Growers Association supports legislation to allow higher blends of ethanol in the marketplace. 

Are you a member and have feedback for us on your priorities or how it's impacting your farm? E-mail us. Not a member and want to join in the conversation and let us save your seat at the table?

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NEWS

House Ag Chair Sonya Harper, Director of Ag Jerry Costello, Collin Watters, Justin Moore, Shane Gray

ICGA Leaders Show Up to Represent Illinois Farmers

By Lyndi Allen • October 30, 2025
House Hearing and New Executive Order Spotlight Economic Pressures on Farmers and Call for Stronger Market Opportunities
A crane loads grain onto a ship at a port at sunset.

Trade Talk: High Exports, Low Prices

By Lyndi Allen • October 30, 2025
Corn exports continue to increase at record high volumes, but the value is at a stark low. Burdensome global supplies of corn have weighed on markets.
Black cow grazing in a green field, cornfield in the background, wind turbine, cloudy blue sky.

Protecting American Beef: Farmers Push Back on Argentine Import Plan

By Lyndi Allen • October 23, 2025
U.S. cattle farmers are pushing back against a new plan to import more beef from Argentina, warning it threatens American livelihoods while doing little to help consumers.
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Megan Dwyer Testifying in DC
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Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.