ICYMI: Gov. Pritzker Delivers Major Wins for Illinois Farmers
October 9, 2026
CHICAGO – This week, Governor JB Pritzker spearheaded efforts to support farmers and bolster local economies across Illinois.
From celebrating the completion of historic infrastructure projects to the launch of pilot loan programs, Gov. Pritzker is easing rising costs for producers, improving connections to jobs and opportunities, and drawing emerging industries to Illinois – all while holding major energy suppliers and the Trump administration accountable.
Gov. Pritzker also announced milestone accomplishments across Illinois, including two record-breaking Illinois State Fairs in Springfield and Du Quoin and an expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
LOWERING DIESEL PRICES FOR FARMERS
As Illinoisans continue to bear the costs of Trump’s flawed economic policies and war of choice in Iran, Gov. Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation and signed Executive Order 2027-08 on Tuesday to provide farmers real relief during the fall harvest season.
In tandem with the executive order, Gov. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation declaring all 102 Illinois counties disaster areas for 30 days, allowing the State to deploy additional resources in response to the diesel fuel crisis.
Read the full executive order and disaster proclamation here:
Executive Order 2026-08.pdf
PDF - 139 Kb
Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation (Diesel Fuel Crisis) - October 6, 2026.pdf
PDF - 144 Kb
Read More:
- Capitol News Illinois: Pritzker declares Illinois a diesel disaster area, but fuel retailers are wary
- WJOL: Pritzker Takes Action To Support Illinois Farmers Affected by Rising Fuel Costs
- KHQA: Tri-State governors take action on diesel tax relief this harvest season
- WTVO: Pritzker signs order allowing Illinois farmers to use dyed diesel on public roads through 2026
BREAKING STATE FAIR RECORDS
On Tuesday, Gov. Pritzker announced that both the Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs reached milestone attendance and affordability records in 2026. In addition to breaking records, the 2026 State Fairs generated economic activity for the regions while delivering high-quality, low-cost recreation and entertainment for visitors.
Read More:
- Capitol News Illinois: Illinois state fairs attracted over 1 million visitors for second year in a row
- Springfield State Journal-Register: Illinois state fairs top 1M visitors, boosting local economies
- WAND: Illinois State Fairs top 1 million visitors for second consecutive year
SUPPORTING FARMERS’ HARVESTS
On Wednesday, Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) announced the launch of a pilot grain storage loan program that connects farmers with the capital needed to construct on-site grain storage facilities. This low-interest loan program will reduce long-term costs of remote storage while giving farmers greater flexibility to manage and market their grain harvest.
Read More:
Watch:
EXPANDING FOOD ACCESS FOR FARMERS
On Thursday, Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced $1.8 million in available funding for the Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) Program. From buying refrigerated vehicles to developing community kitchens, this funding bolsters food access and supports the farmers and organizations that feed Illinoisans.
Read More: WTVO: New grant funding will help Illinois farmers and food processors expand infrastructure
ESTABLISHING A NEW FARMING RESEARCH CENTER
On Friday, Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced a $17 million expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). With ongoing uncertainty facing producers and markets nationally, investments that strengthen Illinois' bioeconomy and boost downstate workforce development are increasingly important to the state's agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Read More:
- The Intelligencer: NCERC at SIUE is leader in biofuels research
- St. Louis Business Journal: Metro East research facility lands $17M for expansion project expected to add 25 jobs
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS
Gov. Pritzker also visited the Wood River Refinery to celebrate the sustainable aviation fuel industry putting roots down in Illinois. The refinery is creating opportunities for farmers, producers, manufacturers, and airlines, while building a faster-growing, cleaner energy economy.
Read More: WAND: Illinois refinery helping United lower emissions with sustainable aviation fuel
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