IDOA Director Testifies on Impact of Federal Funding Cuts and Tariffs on Illinois Farmers

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II testified before the General Assembly’s House Agriculture & Conservation Committee this week to address concerns over federal funding cuts and tariffs impacting Illinois farmers. Costello highlighted the loss of funding for key programs such as the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) and the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), which support socially disadvantaged farmers and strengthen the food supply chain. He also discussed the negative effects of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, which have reduced markets for Illinois agricultural exports.