Soybean group sets policy priorities

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Soybean Growers recently met to set state and federal policy priorities for fiscal year 2023.

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,” said 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,” said Andrew Larson, Illinois Soybean Association director of government relations and strategy.

“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.”

“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,” Daugherty added.