SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A resolution sponsored by State Sen. David Koehler (D-District 46) and other Illinois Senate Democrats urges Congress to provide more support for local and regional food systems in the forthcoming farm bill.

“The farm bill has a huge impact on our nation’s agriculture industry,” stated Koehler in a news release touting the resolution (S.R. 530), which was passed by the state Senate on Feb. 9. “If Congress supports local food systems in the farm bill, it will send a signal that locally grown food is a high priority for our country.”

The resolution could help Illinois specialty crops growers gain access to more supermarkets and other outlets for their locally-produced products, according to Koehler and other supporters.

“Illinois has some of the most fertile farmland in the world,” said Koehler, “yet, we mostly grow crops to export or feed to livestock. We have the opportunity to grow so many more fruits and vegetables for the local market.

“My colleagues believe that the federal government needs to recognize that helping farmers sell their produce in local markets only strengthens our country. When supermarkets and farmers’ markets sell locally grown fruits and vegetables, it’s a net gain for the local economy and the environment.

“When people buy strawberries grown a few miles down the road, most of the money they spend is invested right back into their local community. When people buy strawberries from Spain, their money not only leaves the community, it leaves the country,” he said.

Illinois Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-District 52), cosponsor of the resolution, added as chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, he’s aware of the growing demand for locally grown food in Illinois.

“I hope our representatives in Congress also recognize this demand, and strongly encourage them to pass an updated farm bill that addresses the issue of local and regional food systems in a real and substantive way,” Frerichs stated in the Senate Democratic Caucus staff news release.

The Illinois General Assembly passed new standards for farmers last year, to accommodate small producers who wish to sell their goods in area farmers’ markets and other outlets. If Congress were to similarly relax standards for small-scale farmers nationally, local and regional foods could become more available across the United States, according to the resolution’s sponsors, which include Sen. Gary Forby (D-District 59).

“We need more laws that help farmers sell their crops,” he said.