April 20, 2000

C-FAR receives $15 million appropriation for FY01 

URBANA - The Illinois General Assembly and Governor George Ryan have reached a budget agreement that provides a $15 million appropriation for the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) for FY01 as part of the Food and Agriculture Research Act. Dedicated to ensuring the growth and advancement of food and agricultural systems in Illinois, C-FAR is grateful for the continued support received by the state. "We are very pleased with the $15 million appropriation. C-FAR has had strong support from Governor Ryan and the state legislature, and this will allow us to continue our investment in research critical to the success of food and agriculture in Illinois," said Terry Wolf, C-FAR chairman of the board from Homer. 

Comprised of a diverse group of constituents throughout Illinois, the C-FAR membership now includes 63 organizations, 32 affiliate members, and over 140 individuals that help direct how the C-FAR investment is made. Emphasis is placed on supporting research that produces practical outcomes of immediate benefit to the food and agriculture industry and consumers of Illinois. Identified focus areas of research include expanding agricultural markets, rural economic development, agricultural production systems, human nutrition and food safety, and natural resources. C-FAR members, through a "working group" design, served more than 8,600 volunteer hours last year alone to guarantee the success of the program. "The C-FAR investment is a big responsibility. We will continue to work diligently to ensure fruitful returns," said Jack Erisman, C-FAR board member and research chair from Pana. "We are pleased with the confidence that the Governor and the legislature have placed with us, and we will respond accordingly."

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