CCFB News» February 2020

During a recent meeting, Farm Bureau leaders established the following as the 2020 state legislative priorities:

• Seek sufficient levels of state funding for agricultural programs.
• Maintain a balanced process for siting livestock farms through the Livestock Management Facilities Act that protects both the environment and farmers’ ability to raise livestock.
• Support state tax policies that build a positive business climate. This includes supporting agricultural sales tax incentives and the Farmland Assessment Law.
• Continue to support efforts that benefit and expand habitat for pollinators statewide, including education and outreach, habitat development, and science and research. At the same time, ensure farmers have access to pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, needed to protect crop growth. Support Illinois’ NLRS, which set a 2025 target of a 25 percent reduction in phosphorus and a 15 percent reduction in nitrates leaving the state via Illinois’ major rivers.
• Maintain a balanced system for antibiotic usage. Farmers know that quality food begins with quality care for their animals. That is why farmers use antibiotics strategically and under the guidance of their veterinarians.
• Support legislation limiting liability on agritourism for inherent risks.
• Seek changing flood levels for levee construction permits from “worst case analysis” to more measurable analysis.
• Support the expansion and enhancement of high-speed broadband while protecting the private property rights of farmers during the installation, maintenance, and upgrading of current services.
• Support a viable and independent Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Members are encouraged to contact Bona Heinsohn at 708-354-3276 or via email at [email protected] with any questions, concerns, or additional ideas.