Gov. Pritzker Advocates for Illinois Farmers During Agriculture Legislative Day

SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker today joined hundreds of farmers, agricultural advocates, and lawmakers for the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s (IDOA) 56th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day. The annual event brought together scores of industry representatives and highlighted the state’s $26.4 billion agricultural sector that employs hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans while bolstering communities across the state.

“Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day gives us all an opportunity to gather in celebration of the lifeblood of our economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our farmers feed the world, and Illinois will always have their backs. With transformative infrastructure upgrades, a dynamic business environment, and an unwavering commitment to protect farmers in the face of trade wars and tariffs, Illinois is empowering our agricultural industry to remain competitive in today’s global economy.”

“While decisions made in Washington continue to make life harder for our farmers and agricultural workers, Illinois is stepping up,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “We’ll continue to fight for Illinois agriculture — for the families who rise before the sun to care for their farms, the workers who transport our food, and everyone involved in the journey from farm to table.”

“Agriculture is Illinois’ #1 industry, and our farmers deserve a partner in government who is willing to stand up for them,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “At a time when federal policies are creating uncertainty, instability, and driving up costs, we are focused on delivering real support — from international marketing efforts that create new export opportunities to funding that increases conservation efforts to protect the health of the nation’s most fertile soil to investing in our state’s strongest agriculture resource: our ag students. Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day is a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can protect and grow this vital industry for generations to come.”

At this year’s Agriculture Legislative Day, Governor Pritzker highlighted a proclamation declaring March as Month of the Woman Farmer in Illinois, supporting the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer. Illinois is home to nearly 34,000 female producers representing over a quarter of the state’s agricultural workforce. The Governor recognized a distinguished group of these Illinoisans during the event, highlighting their roles in shaping the state’s top industry.

Governor Pritzker continues to champion Illinois’ agricultural industry, especially as the federal government turns its back on hardworking farmers nationwide. Donald Trump’s crushing tariffs are straining farmers in Illinois, and now, Trump’s reckless actions in Iran have caused fertilizer and fuel prices to increase. This development will potentially reduce profits for corn and soybean farmers, especially if the conflict in the Middle East continues long-term.

Despite these headwinds from the federal government, Illinois is standing strong in defense of its farmers, agribusinesses, and other industry leaders that power the state’s agricultural economy. Last year, Governor Pritzker issued an executive order mobilizing state support to mitigate the harmful effects of Trump’s tariffs on farm families. Additionally, the Governor urged Congress to pass the Tariff Refund Act of 2026, legislation that would return unlawfully collected tariffs back to American families. This letter came on the heels of a lawsuit filed by the Illinois Attorney General and 22 other states to block Trump’s latest efforts to impose illegal tariffs on American families, farmers, and businesses without congressional approval.

Illinois continues to see significant business development and growth in the agricultural sector. At the 2025 Farm Progress Show, the Governor announced Cronus Chemicals’ $2 billion investment to construct a new fertilizer production facility in Tuscola — a critical boost for Illinois’ manufacturing and agricultural industries.

View the Governor's Month of the Woman Farmer proclamation below:

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