FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLOOMINGTON, ILL – DECEMBER 7, 2022 – The Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) recently met to set state and federal policy priorities for FY23. Among many issues, the most pressing and largely discussed included biofuels, animal agriculture, farm bill, foreign trade, transportation, and climate-smart agriculture.
“The committee unanimously agrees that we must act as one voice in agriculture,” says Committee Chairman, Brad Daugherty. “It’s time to tell our story, promote policies that will most directly impact Illinois farmers, and be intentional with our policy agenda in an effort to educate and inform legislators. We want leadership in Springfield and Washington D.C. to know we stand ready to work with them around these issues.”
ISG advocates for Illinois soybean farmers, providing them platforms to be heard firsthand and constantly monitors issues, opportunities and threats, providing farmers with information and resources.
“There is a new sense of healthy urgency when it comes to this committee and our policy work,” says ISA Director of Government Relations & Strategy, Andrew Larson. “We are working proactively to be a trusted source on Illinois-specific topics, to promote Illinois soy and the issues confronting our farmers. From encouraging new trade deals and supporting the timely passage of a bipartisan farm bill, to advocating for livestock farmers’ rights and the transition to higher blends of biodiesel in Illinois, this committee is bringing Illinois farmers to the forefront of policy-related efforts.”
Adds Daugherty, “We will continue to grow our legislative reach by fostering relationships with state and federal legislators. If Illinois farmers stand to be impacted by the outcome of a conversation, we will be at the table, leading that conversation.”
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
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