IL SR0992

Illinois Senate recognizes farming as a critical public service, with over 72,000 farms and over 1 million farmers generating more than $19 billion annually for the state economy.

Beginning farmer numbers declined 20% between 2007 and 2012, while average farmer age rose to 58 in 2012 from 49 in 1945, creating a generational crisis as 66% of farmer-owned land will need ownership transfer within 25 years.

Student loan debt exceeding $1.5 trillion creates a barrier preventing young people from entering farming as a profession, with only 1,220 young operators added to the farming economy.

Illinois Senate declares farmers constitute public service professionals and urges U.S. Congress to expand the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to include farming as an applicable career for loan forgiveness.

Resolution directs copies be sent to the President, U.S. Senate leadership, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, and all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.