CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The University of Illinois Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) will close its doors after more than a decade of advancing soybean production in Africa. The lab, which worked to expand soybean cultivation for both African and U.S. economic benefit, was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been undergoing restructuring as part of a larger federal initiative.
The closure process began in January, when SIL received an Executive Order to cease operations, minimize costs, and halt new programming. Three days later, the lab lost access to its research accounts, and a closure plan was set in motion. On February 27, SIL received a formal termination notice, with USAID citing a review that concluded the lab’s priorities were no longer aligned with the U.S. government’s goals.
SIL officials, including Director Peter Goldsmith, expressed shock and sadness over the unexpected closure, which will affect 30 employees. The lab’s work had focused on promoting soybean production in Africa, aiming to foster trade opportunities and economic growth for both Africa and the U.S. Goldsmith warned that without the lab, these goals may never come to fruition.