Gov. Pritzker Announces Additional Relief for Illinois Farmers Impacted by March 2026 Storms

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: State of Illinois
Published: September 3, 2026
Source: Read at State of Illinois
Category: Food Access

The USDA made low-interest emergency physical loss loans available to farmers and producers affected by storms that hit Kankakee and surrounding counties on March 10-11, 2026. The storms included five confirmed tornadoes and record-setting hail, damaging at least 300 properties and destroying over 30. Farm operators in Kankakee, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Livingston, and Will counties may be considered for assistance if they meet eligibility requirements. The loans can help repair or replace essential farm property, including buildings, equipment, livestock, and stored crops, and eligible farmers have until April 2027 to apply.

Why this matters: The loans give affected agricultural operators a financing option for repairing or replacing property needed to continue production. That may matter to independent grocers and food-access groups that rely on local farm suppliers.

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