Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The directors of the Illinois departments of agriculture and natural resources say 2025 has been nothing short of chaotic.

“The last two months have created instability in agriculture and agriculture markets like we haven’t experienced since, most likely, the covid period of operation,” said ag director Jerry Costello (pictured, left), “due to broken contractual agreements by the federal government.” An example, Costello said, is $18 million owed to the state in a food program.

“IDNR has about $117 million in federal grants that were affected by the White House arbitrary pause in funding pause in funding of those more than $30 million come to IDNR from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said natural resources director Natalie Phelps Finnie (pictured, right). “This funding largely goes to our forestry division for support to local communities and local landowners for a variety of needs.”

But the top Republican on the committee, State Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), cautioned against blaming the Trump administration for everything.

“This committee can’t change anything that’s going on in Washington, D.C.,” he said. These are freezes right now. They are not done away with, but I also realize that any dairy product going into Canada has a 250 percent tariff, which isn’t right, either.”