IFCA Looks Ahead to 2026 with New Leadership, Education Reform, and Industry Advocacy
January 5, 2026 As the Illinois ag retail industry enters a new year, the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) is doing so with new leadership and a clear focus on education, compliance, and legislative advocacy. Jason Solberg, recently named interim president of IFCA, shared his perspective on these priorities during a recent appearance on CropLife Retail Week, bringing more than a decade of experience within the association and a deep understanding of the challenges facing Illinois ag retailers.
Solberg’s path to the role began close to home. A native of Bloomington, IL, where IFCA is headquartered, he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental health and safety from Illinois State University. His career with IFCA started as an intern working on nutrient stewardship initiatives alongside Dan Schaefer, who was newly hired at the time to lead those efforts.
“My journey really started in the field,” Solberg said. “We were working with ag retailers, university researchers, and other partners on best management practices. That hands-on experience shaped how I understand the industry.”
Over time, Solberg transitioned into a hybrid role that combined field research with office-based responsibilities, including training programs and regulatory compliance. He has now spent roughly 12 years helping manage IFCA’s educational initiatives, member programs, and compliance efforts.
One of IFCA’s most significant accomplishments in the past year was the passage of legislation allowing for continuing education credits to be used for pesticide license renewal. Under the new framework, applicators will still need to pass an exam initially, but future renewals will rely on earned credits rather than retesting every three years.
“This is something we’re very excited about,” Solberg said. “It allows applicators to renew their license through active learning — attending meetings and staying up to date with relevant information — instead of having to retake the exam every cycle.”
While the bill has passed, implementation will take time. The Illinois Department of Agriculture will oversee the program, which requires software development, funding, and rulemaking. Solberg noted that the earliest rollout is expected in fall 2027, beginning with general standards before expanding to additional categories.
In anticipation of the new system, IFCA is also developing its own applicator training programs. The association’s new Bloomington facility includes expanded meeting and training space, which Solberg says is already being put to good use.
“One of the great parts of the move is that we have more space,” he said. “Members are welcome to use our office for meetings, especially if they’re trying to bring together staff from different parts of the state. That’s part of what we offer.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Solberg expects IFCA’s legislative focus to shift toward protecting the industry from impractical or poorly informed proposals.
“There will be a lot of conversations at the Capitol,” he said. “Our role is to make sure legislation makes sense for the real world and isn’t being written by people who don’t fully understand the industry.”
A major opportunity for those conversations — and for industry connection more broadly — will come at IFCA’s annual meeting, scheduled for January 20-22 at the Peoria Civic Center. The event has long been a cornerstone of IFCA’s calendar and remains a key winter gathering for Illinois ag retailers.
“When it comes to our agenda and speakers, it’s in lockstep with what we’re hearing from the membership,” Solberg said. “Agronomically, politically, and market-wise, we try to reflect what members want to learn more about.”
Beyond the educational sessions, Solberg emphasized the value of having all segments of the industry under one roof. From manufacturers and suppliers to regulators and retailers, the annual meeting provides a rare opportunity for networking, problem-solving, and business development.
“You’re very rarely going to have every sector of the industry represented in one place,” he said. “If you have questions, deals to make, or connections to build, you can do all of that at the show.”
The event also includes IFCA’s annual silent and live auctions, which benefit the association’s Ag-Solve PAC and help fund its advocacy efforts on behalf of members.
As Solberg steps into his interim leadership role, his focus remains firmly on service to the industry.
“Our goal is to support members however we can,” he said. “Whether that’s through education, advocacy, or simply providing a place to meet, we’re here to help ag retailers succeed.”
Readers can watch the full interview on CropLife Retail Week for more insight into Solberg’s vision and IFCA’s plans for the year ahead.
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