CHICAGO, IL-State Sen. Ed Maloney took some time last weekend to remind his constituents that agriculture is a vital part of Illinois’ economy—whether you live in a rural village, the suburbs, or the city of Chicago.

"Agriculture put Illinois on the map," Maloney said. "Many of the major manufacturers who helped build the Chicagoland economy produced agricultural equipment. The Chicago Board of Trade is the world’s oldest futures and options exchange, and it’s based largely on agricultural commodities. To this day, Illinois is a leader in the production of important foods like corn, soybeans, and pork products."

Maloney has voted in support of several laws that help link rural and urban communities in the 96th General Assembly. He supported the creation of the Farm Fresh Schools Program, which fights obesity by encouraging children to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables at school and to learn about agriculture; the Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act, which created a council to develop Illinois food production and to encourage consumers to buy foods grown and packaged in this state; and the Farmers Market Technology Improvement Act, which helps farmers’ markets find a way to accept LINK cards and allow Illinois residents who need help affording adequate nutrition shop for local produce.