Black Farmers in Illinois Face Financial Setback as Federal Cuts Threaten Agriculture Programs

Springfield, IL – Black farmers in Illinois are facing a major financial blow as federal funding cuts strip millions from programs designed to support small and socially disadvantaged farmers. Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Jerry Costello II testified before the General Assembly’s House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, warning that the cuts will make it harder for these farmers to sustain their operations, invest in infrastructure, and access markets that depend on locally grown food.

Illinois had been the only state prioritizing socially disadvantaged farmers under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) and the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Now, with the federal government abruptly terminating those funds, Black farmers stand to lose critical financial support for their crops, livestock, and processing equipment.

“LFPA was designed to support both ends of the food chain—farmers and those they feed. Cutting this funding leaves farmers on the hook for expenses they incurred believing they would be reimbursed,” said Costello.

Among those affected are farms such as Sistas In The Village, Black Oaks Center, Eden Place Farms, and Urban Growers Collective—all of which have been instrumental in strengthening local food systems and providing fresh produce to Black communities in Illinois. Without funding, these farms may struggle to afford seeds, equipment, and transportation, potentially limiting their ability to supply food to restaurants, food banks, and farmers’ markets.

Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned the cuts as “a slap in the face” to Illinois farmers, emphasizing that the funds had already been approved by Congress but were rescinded without explanation. Meanwhile, additional pressures from ongoing tariffs on agricultural exports could further strain Black farmers, driving up costs while limiting their ability to sell products at competitive prices.

As Black farmers in Illinois fight to sustain their livelihoods, the loss of federal support underscores the challenges they face in an industry where access to capital and land ownership have historically been barriers. With federal aid now uncertain, many farmers are left wondering how they will continue to grow and distribute fresh, locally sourced food in their communities.