SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – It may not seem like the most important piece of legislation to ever be signed in to law, but it’s one that has an important tie to Peoria history.
During Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker signed a measure making “Penicillium Rubens” the state’s Official Microbe.
“This recognition today and this bill-signing is a reminder that there is a place for discovery and implementation in Illinois,” said State Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), who also touted the new “Peoria Biomade” initiative to bring more bio-tech development and manufacturing to Central Illinois.
“The Peoria Penicillium strain is still being used to produce penicillin in this country,” said State Sen. Dave Koepher (D-Peoria). “In fact, our strain is being used to produce penicillin commercially in Illinois by Baxter Pharmaceuticals in Chicago.”
The State says Penicillium Rubens was first discovered and manufactured en masse at the U.S.D.A. Agriculture Lab in Peoria. It was discovered by Mary Hunt — A.K.A. “Moldy Mary” — and came about because of injuries sustained by soldiers in World War II.
Pritzker also signed legislation expanding agriculture education opportunities at the state university level.
