Gilman, Ill. – June 1, 2026 – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin visited Incobrasa Industries in Gilman, Illinois Friday, May 29, to meet with representatives from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), Incobrasa leadership, and Illinois soybean farmers to discuss the importance of biofuels and issues impacting the industry.
Durbin learned more about the company’s ongoing investments in Illinois during a discussion focused on the role biodiesel plays in supporting Illinois soybean farmers, strengthening rural economies, expanding domestic energy production, and creating markets for Illinois-grown soybeans. Participants also discussed current federal policies impacting the biofuels industry and the need for a stable policy environment that supports continued growth and investment.
“Illinois soybean farmers rely on strong domestic markets, and biofuels continue to be one of the most important success stories for our industry,” said Kevin Johnson, Director of Government Relations & Strategy for ISA. “We appreciate Senator Durbin taking the time to hear directly from farmers and industry leaders about the opportunities and challenges facing biofuels today. His continued engagement on these issues helps ensure Illinois remains a leader in renewable fuels, agricultural innovation, and rural economic development.”
“I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from representatives of the Illinois Soybean Association and Incobrasa Industries about the challenges our farmers face with biofuels and the wider farm economy,” Durbin said. “At a time with high energy prices, we should be embracing domestic production of biofuels. Illinois farmers face enough challenges from chaotic tariffs and foreign policy decisions that cause skyrocketing costs for diesel and fertilizer. I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to restore some common sense back into policies that impact the farm economy.”
Incobrasa Industries is one of several Illinois companies helping convert soybean oil into biodiesel, creating additional demand for Illinois soybeans while supporting jobs and economic activity throughout rural communities. Soybeans remain a key feedstock for biodiesel production, helping advance cleaner-burning domestic fuels while providing important value-added markets for farmers.
The visit reflects ISA’s ongoing efforts to educate federal policymakers on issues important to Illinois soybean farmers, such as policies that support biofuels, agricultural competitiveness, and long-term opportunities for rural communities across the state.
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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Betsy Osman
Illinois Soybean Association
betsy.osman@ilsoy.org
