VERGENNES, Ill. – State Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, visited a Southern Illinois farm to discuss the importance of agriculture statewide as part of the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Adopt-A-Legislator program.

“Downstate communities have much to offer Illinois and are great contributors to local economies as well as the state’s,” Willis said. “Our state is a rich collection of city, suburban and rural communities that all need to work together for the overall good of our state. I was honored to be one of the legislators participating in this program, and I look forward for fighting for families across Illinois.”  

Willis visited a working farm in Vergennes, Ill. as part of the Farm Bureau’s Adopt-A-Legislator program, which helps connect suburban legislators with Illinois’ farmers and rural communities. During her tour, Willis witnessed firsthand farming equipment in use, and discussed how downstate agriculture and suburban businesses can work together to build a more vibrant economy.

ROCHELLE, Ill. – State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, toured the “Mighty Vine” tomato growhouse in Rochelle as part of her ongoing initiative to find ways the state can expand its economic base through innovative businesses.

“It is a priority of mine to find ways  our state can create a climate to attract business investment and boost our economy,” Kifowit said, “The hydroponic farming industry is a great opportunity for us to grow jobs across the region.”

Kifowit was joined by members of the Illinois Farm Bureau as well as Mighty Vines’ business developer Daniel Murphy on her tour of the 15-acer glass facility. She toured the facility’s advanced irrigation and the climate control system that allows tomatoes to continue growing year round, especially during Illinois’ harsh winters. She learned that growhouses like these use hydroponic “drip irrigation” which uses significantly less water than traditional farming methods and does not create fertilizer runoff into water supplies, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional methods.

For more information, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308, or Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.