CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the announcement of relief for the agriculture industry to mitigate increasing diesel fuel costs.
The support allows Illinois farmers to use dyed diesel fuel when driving on roads, even though it is typically only used for agricultural purposes. Additional protections for farmers will also be considered as the fuel markets and agricultural economy face continued disruptions.
“Illinois farmers are already paying more to grow their crops, and now diesel is getting more expensive, too,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Nobody should pour their sweat into the land only to lose money on it. This diesel relief gives farmers a real chance to come out ahead, and that's exactly what they've earned.”
Illinois is not the only state to provide support for farmers as the costs of many essential farming goods have risen due to the Iran War and other federal economic policies. Many states are trying to make farmers’ costs more reasonable, offsetting both price increases and market disruptions.
Illinois’ diesel fuel cost relief will provide farmers with a reprieve during the harvest season, even if temporary. The support includes no state penalties for using dyed diesel fuel on roads through Dec. 31, as long as the dyed diesel is used for an agricultural purpose.
The Illinois Department of Transportation will also consider extending the Illinois Harvest Permit (IHP) program into 2027 if the shortages and increased costs of diesel fuel continue. The IHP program allows heavier trucks on certain roads, helping farmers to transport their goods more efficiently.
“Farmers are already dealing with tight margins, and a sudden spike in diesel prices during harvest season only adds to those pressures,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “Giving farmers greater flexibility to use the fuel they already rely on and move heavier loads during harvest is a practical way we can help lower costs and keep Illinois agriculture moving during this period of uncertainty.”
Under a disaster proclamation that accompanied the fuel cost relief, all 102 Illinois counties have been declared disaster areas for 30 days, allowing the state to provide additional resources in response to the crisis.
Currently, Illinois exports the third-most agricultural products among U.S. states, with $11.1 billion worth of agricultural products exported in 2024. This included $4 billion in soybeans and $2.1 billion in corn, which were the most and second-most in the country, respectively. However, the importance of exporting agricultural products to Illinois’ economy leaves its farmers more impacted by tariffs and trade disruptions.
“Illinois farmers are seeing firsthand the impact of rising fuel costs,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Diesel is essential to nearly every part of farming, from planting and harvesting to transporting crops. This will provide relief to our farmers who keep our economy and food supply strong.”
Illinois Senate Democrats will continue to fight for farmers and the agricultural industry as they navigate rising diesel fuel costs and other economic disruptions.
