Pritzker calls for activism, highlights challenges in Illinois agriculture industry

URBANA, Ill. (WICS) — Governor J.B. Pritzker kicks off his "Standing Up for Illinois" tour right here in central Illinois.

His focus Wednesday—standing up for Illinois farmers.

Our Brianna Moreland attended the roundtable at Sola Gratia Farm and has details on what Governor Pritzker says people can do to take action.

Wednesday, Governor Pritzker and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski joined a roundtable with farmers and environmental leaders in Urbana.

The event highlighted Governor Pritzker’s concerns about the harm former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are causing to Illinois family farms, the agricultural industry, and those relying on USDA programs for support.

Farmers in attendance shared their concerns, saying federal funding cuts are hurting local economies.

Governor Pritzker says farming is under attack by the country’s leaders:

Farming, as all of you know, is a way of life in Illinois. It’s an important one—it’s a bedrock of our economy, the backbone of many of our communities, and a tradition passed down by families for generations. It’s a way of life, but it’s a way of life that’s under attack right now.

Before the roundtable, Governor Pritzker visited the University of Illinois Soybean Innovation Lab.

Workers there were laid off after Trump cut funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Governor Pritzker is calling for mass activism—urging people to protest, speak up, and make their voices heard by members of Congress and the Senate.

Governor Pritzker will continue his tour across Illinois, focusing on seniors, infrastructure, and Medicaid.