The Illinois EPA and Department of Agriculture have released
a report showcasing the progress of Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.
Lauren Lurkins with the Illinois Farm Bureau has been involved in the project from the beginning. She tells Brownfield statewide water flow, nitrate and phosphorus loads have gone up since 2013, but the project has made a large impact on reducing nutrient loss long-term.
“I don’t want people to be discouraged that we are seeing ‘more of XYZ’ because really that long term trend of activity, awareness and energy behind this issue is still continuing to increase across the state.”
She says in 2017 the ag sector invested $25 million in these efforts and the number jumped to $33 million in 2018.
