Q: What are your 2024 priorities for IFCA?

A: IFCA stop priority is keeping onerous regulations from coming from the Illinois State Capitol and Washington DC.  Illinois is a dark blue state in a sea of red states around us.  IFCA is fighting off more than 20 different pieces of anti-pesticide legislation that could have directly affect ag retailers and farmers in the State of Illinois.  IFCA educates all members of the Illinois General Assembly how important it is to keep every tool we have in the toolbox for agriculture regarding pesticides.

Q: What threats and opportunities do you see for IFCA and your members?

A: There’s three pieces of legislation that IFCA is most concerned about this spring session.

• SB2757, this piece of legislation would get rid of pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois. This means counties, cities and subdivisions could regulate all pesticides in the state of Illinois rather than the Illinois Department of agriculture.
• HB4814, this piece of legislation is identical to what pass in the state of New York banning all seed treatments with a pesticide starting January 1, 2027.
• HB4956, this piece of legislation would ban the sale and used of 2,4-D ester in the state of Illinois.

IFCA is opposed to all three pieces of legislation.

Q: Why is 2,4-D an important tool for Illinois farmers?

A: 2,4-D it’s one of the most used and popular herbicides in the state of Illinois. Without 2,4-D, our ag retailers and farmers would be behind the eight ball on how to control weeds.

About Kevin: Kevin “KJ” Johnson was named President of IFCA in 2021. Johnson previously served as IFCA director of government and industry relations and was responsible for legislative and regulatory policy efforts. Prior to joining IFCA, KJ was an agricultural liaison for former U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, assisting with agricultural and environmental issues before the House Agriculture Committee. KJ also farms with his family in Illinois where he resides with his wife Anna and their three children.