Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), in collaboration with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), has announced a $111 million investment in the agricultural sector through a U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This initiative aims to support farmers in making sustainable and long-term decisions for their operations. The U.S. EPA had previously announced the full grant, totaling over $430 million over five years.

Under this program, IDOA will receive $73 million specifically for climate-smart agricultural practices, while IEPA will obtain $38 million for the electrification of small engines. These funds are set to be distributed over a five-year period, targeting projects that improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance air quality.

Governor JB Pritzker commented on the grant's alignment with state priorities: "When I signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, I did it knowing that we could not move into a clean energy future without ensuring that no one was left behind—and with this grant award, the Biden-Harris administration has made it clear that their priorities are the same," he said. "This grant will fund clean buildings, agriculture, and transport, and further position Illinois as the hub for smart, clean development that we have strived to become."

Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of these investments: "These investments in soil health management ensure Illinois' fertile ground is productive for our future generations of farmers," he stated. "This five-year infusion of resources provides certainty for growers looking to make sustainable changes to their operations."

The new funding builds upon existing local, regional, and statewide programs led by IDOA:

- The Fall Covers for Spring Savings Cover Crop Program under Governor Pritzker's administration has provided over $1.4 million in crop insurance rebates to 2,150 farmers using cover crops.

- In partnership with USDA NRCS, IDOA is investing $12.6 million for 40 frontline Conservation Planners throughout Illinois.

- Through USDA NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program grants, the state has leveraged $5.2 million in state dollars for $17.5 million towards climate-smart conservation practices statewide.

- The Soil Health Initiative aims to improve soil health by increasing cover crops and implementing strip tilling and erosion control practices.

- IDOA's partnership with Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR) offers various benefits related to nutrient management and sustainability.

- The Illinois Nutrient Research Education Council has contributed over $32 million towards academic research focused on nutrient utilization and water quality.