By Andi Anderson
Farming operations continue across the United States, but the recent federal government shutdown has left many agricultural support systems stalled. Federal employees who connect farmers with essential programs, markets, and research have been ordered to stay home indefinitely, leaving state officials like Illinois Agriculture Director Jerry Costello deeply concerned.
“To furlough 50% of the employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the very first day that the shutdown is commenced, it’s ludicrous,” Costello said, expressing frustration over how the shutdown directly impacts farmers and agricultural services.
Adding to the state’s challenges, the Trump administration has proposed transferring long-standing agricultural research programs out of Illinois.
Soybean research currently based at the University of Illinois could move to the University of Missouri, while corn research—carried out in Illinois for more than 70 years—may shift to Ames, Iowa.
Costello said that state leaders, including Governor J.B. Pritzker, are actively working to prevent these changes. “We’re having all of the conversations that we can possibly have,” he stated. “I have to give the governor a ton of credit; he understands what agriculture means to the State of Illinois. It is the number one industry in the state.”
He further emphasized the importance of Illinois-based research to national and global food security. “All of the research being done, but especially the soybean research being done, is imperative for feeding the world,” Costello said. “And what I hope isn’t occurring is that this is being used as a political pawn from a blue state to a red state situation.”
Meanwhile, farmers are awaiting clarity on both the federal restructuring at the USDA and promised trade relief measures amid ongoing tensions with China.
Officials say more information on potential aid and program operations may be announced in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy