May 8, 2006

C-FAR Appropriation Increase Hailed

Leaders of the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) are hailing the state's FY07 appropriation of $4.5 million for food and agricultural research via C-FAR. The appropriation is an increase from the FY06 level of $3.5 million, and will be critical in enabling key new research. The C-FAR appropriation is the primary source of state funding to conduct food, agricultural and related research at the state's universities and related research-based entities.

"We commend Governor Blagojevich and leaders and members of the Illinois General Assembly for their support to expand this investment for our state's top industry," says Alan Puzey, C-FAR chairman of the board. C-FAR leaders said in addition to the support of the Governor, the advocacy demonstrated by Senator John Sullivan (47th District, Quincy) and Representative Kurt Granberg (107th District, Centralia) was instrumental in the increased appropriation being realized. Each serves as chair of their respective Agriculture and Conservation Committee. "Senator Sullivan and Representative Granberg led a significant General Assembly delegation - members from both chambers and from both sides of the aisle - in raising the importance of this appropriation," said Karen Little, C-FAR legislative chair. "We are grateful to these legislative leaders, and to a host of their General Assembly colleagues, for quickly recognizing and being highly understanding of just how critical this appropriation is to our state's economy."

Nels Kasey, C-FAR research chair, said, "The increased appropriation will enable new research initiatives which would have been impossible otherwise. The timing of the increase also allows us to take full advantage of our recently re-established research priorities - a significant three-month endeavor of the C-FAR membership this past winter."

"This increase signifies the State of Illinois' commitment to growing its research commitment for our state's food, agricultural and related sectors," says Puzey. "We understand that state resources continue to be limited, and we are highly appreciative of the Governor and legislative leaders identifying the additional funds for these investments. We look forward, in partnership with these state leaders, to continuing to nurture a vibrant food and agricultural research program for Illinois."

# # #