WATCH: Illinois officials address effects of USDA funding freeze | Illinois

(The Center Square) – Some Illinois agricultural programs have come to a halt as a result of a funding freeze from the federal government.  

“The last two months have created instability in agriculture and agricultural markets like we haven’t experienced since the COVID period of operation,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. 

Costello’s testimony in Springfield focused on several agreements between USDA and his agency, including the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. 

He said the purpose of the LFPA Program is to “maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” The cooperative agreements between USDA and states allow states “to procure and distribute local and regional foods and beverages that are healthy and nutritious, and meet the needs of the population.”  

“LFPA was designed to support both ends of the food chain, farmers and those they feed,” said Costello. “Cutting the funding leaves farmers on the hook for expenses they incurred believing they would be reimbursed and leaves our most vulnerable, food-insecure communities without meat, fresh produce and other nutritious donations they were promised.”

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie says the pause on federal grants has created chaos, and will affect many Illinoisans in many ways, including rural fire departments.

“Residents rely on our volunteer fire departments to not only put out house fires, but also respond to car crashes, reach hikers who have been injured at Shawnee National Forest, rescue boaters on the Ohio River or recover a victim of drowning,” said Finnie.

The United States Department of Agriculture said in an email that it had notified states, territories and tribes that the money for fiscal year 2025 is no longer available and those agreements will be terminated following 60-day notification.