BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Members of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) board and staff greeted state legislators March 22 during the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day (IALD) with a hot soy latte and biodiesel educational materials.
In its 52nd year, this annual event brings together farm, agricultural commodity organizations and other diverse agriculture interest groups to the Springfield Capitol to engage with state lawmakers. Industry leaders are able to learn about current legislation being discussed and how it affects Illinois ag.
“As the largest producer of soybeans in the nation, this is a prime opportunity to remind Springfield legislators that our 43,000 soybean farmers play a pivotal role in providing economic gains in Illinois and in feeding and fueling the world,” says ISA Chairman, Steve Pitstick. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to speak with legislators on issues that matter most to our soybean farmers, to discuss our biodiesel initiative currently in legislative process, and to thank our leaders for their support of Illinois’ agricultural community.”
Because COVID-19 restrictions limit visiting opportunities with legislators within the Springfield Capitol Building, ISA hosted a booth outside between the Capitol and the Stratton Office and invited legislators to stop by at their convenience with a postcard invitation that read, “Your Support Means a ‘Latte’ to Illinois Farmers.”
Adds Pitstick, “We value the partnerships we’re building in Springfield. The support of our elected officials will help to ensure Illinois farms are future-ready, and Illinois farmers are equipped to meet the growing global demand.”
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the websites www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
— Illinois Soybean Association
