Governor Proposes $143.8 Million Budget for Agriculture

Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed a $143.8 million budget for the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) in fiscal year 2023. The proposed budget includes $27.8 million in general revenue funds, $100.7 million in other state funds and $15.3 million in federal funds.

The proposed budget increases funding for Illinois’ state fairs, including an additional $175,000 to support the 100th anniversary of the Du Quoin State Fair. Capital improvement funding for the Illinois State Fairgrounds is slated to increase to $1.97 million, up from $1.9 million, while funding for the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds would be $750,000, up from $500,000 this fiscal year.

County Fairs and Agricultural Societies would maintain funding levels of $1.8 million. County Fair and Exposition Authorities also would receive level funding of $900,000. Level funding of $1.31 million is proposed for rehabilitation of county fairs.

University of Illinois Extension funding, which passes through IDOA’s budget, would receive level funding of $11 million as does the Cook County Extension at $2.45 million and agriculture Extension 4-H at $786,400.

Funding for IDOA’s cover crop incentive program would remain stable at $660,000. The program that offers a crop insurance premium discount for enrolled acres filled the acre enrollment cap within 10 hours after online applications opened.