Agriculture
Illinois family farmers know it’s more difficult to farm on the same land today that their predecessors farmed on generations ago. A changing world has brought new challenges, and I’m working to ensure Illinois remains a productive and sustainable hub for agriculture.
On the House Committee on Agriculture, I am our farmer’s trusted voice in Congress, making sure they have support to expand markets for their agricultural goods, get their crops insured against extreme weather events, and have their way of life protected for generations to come.
On the Committee, I will support rural communities on the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee and the Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee.
More on Agriculture
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) appeared on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers to discuss current agriculture policy, the needs of rural communities, and the Farm Bill.
Galesburg, IL - Agricultural operations in Illinois have been significantly impacted by recent tornadoes, high winds and flooding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.
On Tuesday, August 23, 2024, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) spoke in the House Agriculture Committee during a hearing entitled, "Financial Conditions in Farm Country".
Sorensen advocated for the conditions of rural communities like those in Illinois' 17th Congressional District, and called for the passage of legislation to strengthen crop insurance and other financial safety nets to help Illinois producers.
ROCKFORD, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are announcing $218,000 for OSF HealthCare to expand telehealth services to families in rural communities across Central and Northern Illinois.
Following his advocacy in Congress to expand the use of E15 fuel, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), a member of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, applauded a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow for the sale of E15 fuel for this summer. E15 is gasoline blended with 10.5 percent to 15 percent ethanol, meaning increased profits for farmers.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) led a bipartisan group of 24 of his colleagues in calling for funding the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), which invests in rural schools.
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) along with the Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the symbiotic relationship between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States De
The clock is ticking for lawmakers in the nation’s capitol to find common ground on a new farm bill before the November presidential election.
Last year, lawmakers signed off on extending the current farm bill until September 30, just days before the general election.
However, Democratic Congressman Eric Sorensen, who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal, is voting no unless lawmakers include a nutrition program.
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said he will not support a version of the farm bill that does not include funding for a federal nutrition program.
The Moline Democrat representing the 17th Congressional District told reporters during a tour of Heartland Community College's agricultural complex Wednesday that plans to eliminate funding for the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan in the farm bill are a "non-starter" for him.