SPRINGFIELD, IL– A resolution sponsored by State Senator Michael Frerichs (D – Champaign) designating February 17, 2012 as Agricultural Communications Day in Illinois passed the Senate Agriculture Committee today.

In 1961, the major of Agricultural Communications was created by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The program continued to develop at the university and eventually led to seven new agricultural communications courses being added to the curriculum in the 1970s. 

"The creation of the Agricultural Communications department at the University of Illinois contributed to the university becoming a world-leader in agriculture," Frerichs said.  "The Agricultural Communications Education program at the University of Illinois allowed department personnel and students to develop working partnerships with colleagues at universities in India, the Philippines, Australia, Pakistan, and the West Indies."

Enrollment in the Agricultural Communications department at the University has continued to grow over the past 40 years and remains a staple in the University’s agricultural curriculum. In 2010, the Illinois Board of High Education approved the Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communications and formalized a new dual academic program.

"The program is essential to the relationships we have developed and maintained with other countries," Frerichs continued. "Illinois owes much gratitude to the University for recognizing the importance of this program and the impact it has had on our state as a global leader in agriculture."

The resolution now moves to the Senate floor and could be voted on as early as Thursday.