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Illinois Lieutenant Governor: “Ag connects us all”

Illinois’ Lieutenant Governor says one of the biggest tasks she has is connecting rural and urban agriculture.

“As I always say, ag connects us all.”

Speaking to ag reporters at the Illinois Pork Expo, Juliana Stratton said there needs to be a focus on ag education in both rural and urban areas.

“Making sure that young people, that they have a good understanding of what they get when they go to a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Chicago. Well, there is a farm where these items are produced, and we have to be sure that we make that clear.”

She says her office has some strategic plans in place to address the issue.

“How do we lift up some of our specialty products that are grown right here in our state? How do we talk more and acknowledge the farmers who are in our communities throughout the state and making sure that all throughout our state we are talking about this more.”

Stratton says she has been visiting directly with farmers to learn about ag issues firsthand.