In honor of the 47th annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day (IALD), farm and agricultural organizations and interest groups were invited to join Illinois lawmakers in the State Capitol on March 30. The day-long event, organized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, offers the groups the opportunity to speak with their local legislators about industry-related issues, as well as educate them about their own agri-business and role in the community.
This year’s event began with an exclusive working breakfast for the participating organizations and friends of the agriculture community, followed by a roundtable briefing with the majority and minority leaders of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee and the Illinois Farm Bureau. As always, throughout the day, time was set aside for organizations to sit down with their local legislators to discuss Illinois’ agricultural priorities and legislation for the coming year.
In preparation of the event, each organization was encouraged to put together a packed lunch for their legislators, along with a basket of agricultural products that embody Illinois’ agricultural diversity. Members of Illinois’ FFA organizations and vocational teachers volunteered their services to deliver the lunches to the legislators.
Capping off National Agriculture Month, the annual event drew over 50 participating organizations. To view the IALD Directory or update your organization’s listing, go to https://www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/IALD/directory/.