What's Next for Farm Bill and E15?

The House of Representatives are schedule to vote on the Farm Bill 2.0 next week, with the amendment deadline that closed on April 22. IL Corn is reviewing and monitoring over 300 amendments that were submitted that cover a wide range of topics. Our focus remains on protecting the Prop 12 fix, production costs, conservation programs, and advancing renewable fuel policies, like E15.

Illinois Congresswoman Budzinski added the amendment to remove the $1.055 billion cut from the Environmental Incentives Program (EQIP). Additionally, Illinois Congressmen Sorensen and Budzinski, along with Rep. Craig (MN), Rep. McClain Delaney (MD), and Riley (NY), submitted an amendment to provide USDA grants and loans to mid and small-sized fertilizer producers to expand domestic fertilizer production and storage capacity.

Advancing Year-Round E15

Illinois Congressman Sorensen also introduced the amendment to allow gasoline blends with 10% to 15% ethanol to be sold year-round (E15). Advancing year-round E15 with the passage of a new Farm Bill is critical to build stronger demand for corn farmers. Current world conflicts have pushed fuel prices up; the use of domestic ethanol can help lower costs for consumers while delivering the long-term market stability farmers need.

As family farms face tight margins and unpredictable markets, it is critical that a Farm Bill is passed this year. It has been eight years since the last Farm Bill was enacted. Many programs within the Farm Bill help keep farms afloat during years in a downturn agriculture economy.

Not all proposed amendments will be included in the final bill, but many Illinois members of Congress are working to improve outcomes for farmers. IL Corn will continue to monitor developments and keep members informed. We encourage farmers to sign up for our Call-to-Action program to ensure their voices are heard as Congress works to get this bill across the finish line.