Sorensen Advocates for Peoria Ag Lab, Research Center Avoids Closure

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced a major victory for the Peoria region, as the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), also known as the Peoria Ag Lab, will remain open and is even slated for growth. The release of the administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) budget proposal includes potential growth for the NCAUR with research expansion.

“When I heard this facility might be at risk, I made it a priority to make sure the administration and USDA leadership understood the value of this world-class research center. I’m proud to say our efforts paid off,” said Congressman Sorensen. “We made our case loud and clear. I want to thank every researcher, every advocate, and every voice who spoke up. The work being done in this facility supports farmers, strengthens our food systems, and helps fight climate change. I’m proud to have stood with our community to show how important the NCAUR is—not just to Peoria, but to our entire nation.”

“For months, we feared NCAUR would be the next target amid sudden and harmful cuts to federal agencies. The silence from USDA leadership created a culture of fear, driving away talented staff. But when we reached out to our stakeholders—especially the farming community—their support was overwhelming and helped put NCAUR and ARS back on the map,” President of AFGE Local 3247, Ethan Roberts said. “We’re grateful to everyone who stood with us to protect the vital research we do for farmers and food safety.”

Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for the Peoria Ag Lab, leading his colleagues in a detailed letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins this past March. The Congressman outlined the lab’s vital contributions to agriculture and the regional economy.

The Peoria facility, which employs hundreds and supports both local agriculture and global research, is the largest federal employer in the region. The proposed budget not only protects those jobs but recognizes NCAUR’s cutting-edge work by highlighting its pennycress biofuel research as a leading example in the USDA’s New Products section.

Final funding decisions will be made by Congress. Congressman Sorensen will continue to monitor the process and fight to make sure the Peoria Ag Lab remains fully protected.

You can view the FY26 Budget for the Agricultural Research Service below.