Gov. Bruce Rauner released $16 million in agriculture grants from the 2018 budget this week to fund the soil and water districts, county fairs and ag societies, and University of Illinois Extension.

“These three entities provide services that are vital for the future of Illinois agriculture,” Rauner says. “From protecting our farmland for future generations to fostering agriculture careers and educating consumers, these organizations support Illinois agriculture, the backbone of our state’s economy.”

Soil and water conservation districts will receive $6 million, or roughly $61,000 for each of the 97 districts. 

“With this funding, the SWCDs of Illinois will be better-positioned to support important conservation efforts such as the statewide Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy,” says Steve Stierwalt, Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts president. “This funding also ensures that SWCDs have the resources needed to continue to provide important technical expertise, assistance and cost-share agreements to not only farmers for the installation of conservation practices such as grassed waterways, filter strips and cover crops, but also urban, suburban and other rural landowners.”

Illinois’ 92 county fairs will each receive more than $54,000 for fair operations or facility rehabilitation needs.

“County fairs are a big footprint of rural Illinois. and a huge part of the economic strength and morale of each county in Illinois,” says Gary Hadden, Morgan County Fair. “We appreciate Gov. Rauner making these funds available, as this will provide a great boost to local counties across the state to help make necessary upgrades so they can increase activities. This will bring more people to their county fairs, and with the increase of travel, people will spend more money to help stimulate the Illinois economy.”

University of Illinois Extension will receive $5 million dollars for ongoing education efforts, including energy and environmental stewardship, food safety and security, economic development and workforce preparedness, family health, financial security and wellness, and youth development. 

“Funding for these organizations comes at a critical time,” says Raymond Poe, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “We must continue to fund these organizations to sustain their key programs. I want to thank our agricultural partners for commitment to Illinois agriculture and for their cooperation in these fiscally challenging times.”

Source: Illinois Department of Agriculture