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Quinn taps former state lawmaker as ag director

We have a video interview with ag director-designee Bob Flider via Illinoisstatehousenews.com.
Kay Shipman 
Published: Feb 17, 2012
Agricultural exports and economic growth were major topics last week at Bob Flider’s first meeting as the state agriculture director nominee.

“So much of what we (Illinois) do has to be done with agriculture in the lead,” Flider told FarmWeek while attending an export transportation summit in University Park.

Flider, a former state lawmaker from Mt. Zion, was named ag director by Gov. Pat Quinn. His appointment will require senate confirmation.

"Throughout his career, Bob Flider was a tireless, effective leader for rural farming communities and global agri-business leaders,” Quinn said.

Since March 2011, Flider has served as the director of broadband impact for the Partnership for a Connected Illinois.

“Bob Flider worked well in the agricultural arena when he served in the General Assembly and on the House Agriculture committee,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson. “Bob’s door was always open and we look forward to working with him in his new role as director of the Department of Agriculture.”

Flider said he hopes to work with Farm Bureau and other farm organizations to build partnerships.

Some ag sectors, such as the livestock industry, are facing challenges, and Flider said he had heard concerns from the livestock industry.

“My approach is I want to look at it ... and work toward common sense solutions,” he said. “One of the things that is evident is that grain production and the livestock Industry are interdependent.”

One of Flider’s interests is preservation of family farms and “ensuring that opportunity for young people,” he said, adding that his daughter is married to a Shelby County farmer.

“I understand the challenges facing farmers,” Flider said. He represented a strong agricultural area with major agribusinesses in the General Assembly.

Flider served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 through 2011. He served on several committees, including the Agriculture and Conservation Committee and the Energy and Environment Committee. Flider and his wife, Jean, live in Mt. Zion.


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