Agriculture
The Second Congressional District is one of the most diverse regions in our nation. It is a microcosm of our country – home to not only urban and suburban communities, but rural areas as well. And it is our strong rural sector, with nearly 1,200 farms, that serves as the economic backbone of our district. Farmers in the Second Congressional District generate millions of dollars worth of corn, soybeans and wheat every year that feed our families, fuel our cars and help raise our livestock.
If passed, a new bill would allow grain crop farmers to grow fruits and vegetables on more of their farm program base acres. With the goal of attaching the legislation to the next farm bill, Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., and Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., cosponsored legislation called "Feeding America through Farm Flexibility Act of 2017." The proposed law would allow grain farmers to plant an additional 5% of their commodity crop base acres to vegetables if the extra harvest is sold or donated into a food desert with a poverty rate of at least 20%, according to the text of the bill.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly completed a two-day Agricultural Tour through Kankakee County today, with stops at the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce, several farms and a grain handling facility.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement regarding newly announced Chinese tariffs against U.S. agricultural products and President Trump's escalating trade war:
"President Trump's misguided and ill-conceived trade war with China and other nations will have a massive and negative impact on Illinois farmers and rural communities.
Matteson, IL – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted a telephone town hall discussion with farmers and agricultural workers from the 2nd Congressional District where participants discussed concerns related to the COVID19 crisis and their suggestions for further legislative relief efforts in Congress.
With most of this year's crop sold and input costs covered, Steve Warrick said next year will be critical for his Will County farm.
"Nobody has a handle on next year – from bankers to fertilizer companies," he said.
If tariffs remain in place, he said: "It may be easier to farm it out to someone else and raise a steer for myself and raise a pig for myself and leave it at that."
An Illinois Democrat says she's found a way to please everyone in her diverse district with legislation that would alleviate Chicago-area "food deserts" by lifting a barrier to fruit and vegetable production in rural areas.
Rep. Robin Kelly's "Feeding America through Farm Flexibility Act" would modify a rule that disincentivizes farmers of major commodities, such as corn and wheat, from switching production to fruits and vegetables.
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today in reintroduced the bipartisan Beginning Agriculturist Lifetime Employment (BALE) Act, legislation he introduced during the last Congress to ensure agricultural producers—especially those just getting started—have access to credit to expand or diversify their operations.
KANKAKEE, Ill. — U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, a Democrat from Matteson, represents the 2nd Congressional District of Illinois. Kelly, who has her eye on the Senate seat occupied by Republican Sen. Mark Kirk, talked about her new agriculture platform and farming in her district.
What are your future plans? Do they include a run for the Senate in 2016?
It's been reported in the media that I'm doing my due diligence for a run for the Senate. I'm looking at that. I am very honored to be representing the people in my district, and I am looking forward to staying around for a long time.
Amid a climate of highly partisan politics, a piece of bipartisan legislation has surfaced in Washington, and it should receive uniform support.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, the Matteson Democrat who represents all of Kankakee County and part of Will County, has joined forces with fellow U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, a Republican from downstate Murphysboro, to introduce legislation called The Feeding America through Farm Flexibility Act.