by: Ed Dubrick, ISA Policy Organizer
In May, I had the opportunity to join two fellow Illinois Stewardship Alliance farmer members, Bethany Salisbury (far left in photo) of Saratoga Homestead in Henry, Illinois, and John Dailey (far right in photo) of Dailey Farms in Alexis, Illinois, for a trip to Washington, D.C.
Getting there took planes, metro trains, plenty of driving, and more than a few miles of walking through the halls of the U.S. Capitol. But the effort was worth it. Together, we made sure the voices of Illinois farmers were heard where important decisions about the future of agriculture are being made.
While in Washington, we joined a delegation of farmers and food system organizations from neighboring states to meet directly with federal lawmakers and their staff. Our Illinois group met with the staff of five members of Illinois’s Congressional delegation to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing farmers, local food systems, and rural communities.
One thing became clear during our meetings: work is beginning now on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s draft of the next Farm Bill. That means there is still an opportunity to influence the policies that will shape agriculture for years to come.
During our conversations, we emphasized several priorities that Illinois farmers want to see included in a new Farm Bill:
- Addressing monopoly power and consolidation in food and agriculture
- Expanding meat processing capacity and workforce development
- Providing funding for emergency food providers to purchase food from local farms
- Restoring Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
These are practical solutions that can strengthen local food systems, create opportunities for farmers, improve market access, and help build a more resilient agricultural economy.
Farmers and advocates can accomplish a lot when we speak directly with policymakers, but lasting change happens when lawmakers hear from people across their districts and states.
That’s why we’re asking you to add your voice to ours.
By taking just 60 seconds to send a message to your Member of Congress, you can help reinforce the need for policies that support local food, regenerative agriculture, and fair markets for farmers.
Every message helps demonstrate that these issues matter to the people who grow food, care for the land, and support thriving rural communities.
Take action today and help shape the future of the Farm Bill.
Thank you for standing with Illinois farmers and food system advocates.
Ed Dubrick
Policy Organizer