Illinois Soybean Growers launches program to influence ag policy, legislation

Illinois Soybean Growers has developed a new program led by influential Illinois farmer-voices to encourage members of the soy community to join the Voice for Soy initiative, to bring awareness to legislative priorities including biodiesel, farm policy and trade, and to champion for the future of the agriculture industry. The Voice for Soy initiative serves as a platform to help connect Illinois farmers with government officials, and to positively influence important legislation and policies affecting agriculture’s ability to operate in a sustainable and profitable way, both now into the far-reaching future. “Because we are the largest soy-producing state in the country, we have an obligation to use our voices to speak up not only for Illinois soy growers, but for growers across the nation,” said Stan Born, an Illinois soybean farmer. “There are many things in farming that we can’t control, like the weather. But there are things that we can influence, like legislation and regulatory action. So, we have to speak up to the representatives in Springfield and Washington, D.C., to ensure our priorities are known and our issues are understood.” To join the Voice for Soy movement, text “SOY” to 52886 to receive updates and action alerts, and visit www.ilsoygrowers.com or www.voiceforsoy.org.

There is power in numbers. “Today more than ever, it’s easy to be heard,” Born said.

Illinois Soybean Growers is a membership organization serving more than 43,000 Illinois soybean producers. As part of ISA’s mission to uphold the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy and education, Illinois Soybean Growers advances the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state and national level. Voice for Soy, the Illinois Soybean Growers’ legislative action network, allows producers to easily connect with legislators and regulators to advocate for Illinois agriculture.