YOUR VOICE MATTERS...

Regenerative agriculture took a big step forward in Illinois this week with the passage of a new state budget that reversed decades of cuts to conservation programs to increase funding for clean water, healthy soils, and resilient farms. Some highlgiht

✔️ The state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy now has dedicated funding for the first time ever 
✔️ Doubled funding for the cover crop insurance premium discount program (50,000 acres to 100,000 acres)
✔️ $4M funding increase for Soil and Water Conservation Districts  

In addition, the Illinois General Assembly also protected the Partners for Conservation Fund for one more year, and ensured that conversations can move forward on how to best provide stable, long-term funding for conservation efforts for the state’s more than 24 million acres of cropland. 

For the first time, the state budget includes advancing the goals of the Illinois NLRS as a key funding priority of the state’s conservation programs. With interim goals of achieving 15% nitrate-nitrogen and 25% total phosphorus reductions in Illinois waterways by 2025, it is crucial that Illinois continue to find new and innovate ways to advance conservation efforts.

Over the past several months, we have all been working tirelessly to let our conservation leaders know what is important for farmers and the land that sustains us.

Take some time to celebrate your efforts. Thank our State Policy Leaders for ensuring that absolutely critical funding for conservation & sustainable ag programs were included in the FY22 budget!