Duckworth & Illinois Soybean Association Team Up to Prioritize Agriculture

By Andi Anderson

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) convened with representatives from the Illinois Soybean Association on Wednesday to delve into the agricultural priorities crucial for Illinois. 

Amidst the ongoing efforts to reauthorize the Farm Bill, Senator Duckworth and association members emphasized three key areas: 

• Supporting Inland Waterways: Recognizing the significance of inland waterways, discussions highlighted the importance of supporting and enhancing these critical transportation routes. 
• Expanding Agricultural Exports: The meeting underscored the necessity of increasing Illinois's agricultural exports markets, especially considering that global exports of agricultural products from the state exceeded $10.6 billion in 2022. 
• Enhancing Farm Safety Net Programs: Addressing the well-being of farmers, the conversation touched upon the improvement of farm safety net programs to ensure the resilience and stability of the agricultural sector. 

Senator Duckworth expressed her commitment to advocating for farmers on both national and international platforms. Reflecting on Illinois's pivotal role in agricultural exports, she recently led a Congressional delegation to Japan, emphasizing the state's potential for increased investment and exports, particularly in corn, soybean, pork, and ethanol. 

Support of agricultural exports, Senator Duckworth co-sponsored the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act of 2023. This legislation aims to bolster the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program. 

Senator Duckworth affirmed, “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I look forward to continuing my work with the Illinois Soybean Association and farmers across the state to make sure they have the resources and information they need.” The collaborative efforts aim to fortify Illinois's agricultural sector and contribute to national agricultural prosperity.

Photo Credit: illinois-soybean-association.