SPRINGFIELD, IL – Beginning Tuesday, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will host more than 42 international buyers from three different countries in an effort to increase export sales for the Illinois grain industry. During the past five years, the Illinois Grain Tour has generated nearly $354 million in sales of grain, oilseeds, DDGS, and equipment.
“The Illinois Grain Tour gives Illinois farmers, producers and retailers the opportunity to showcase their world-class facilities to foreign investors,” said John Sullivan Director of IDOA. “We lead the nation in soybean production and nearly half of the soybeans and corn produced in Illinois are exported, resulting in billions of dollars in direct sales annually.”
Participants begin the tour by meeting with representatives from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The tour will also make stops at:
• RTS Farm, Auburn
• GSI, Assumption
• Farm Progress Show, Decatur
• James Martin Farm, Streator
• Marquis Energy, Hennepin
• Seedburo Equipment Co., Des Plaines
• CME – Traders Group, Chicago
• Illinois Soybean Association, Chicago
All participants of the Illinois Grain Tour are required to pay their own airfare and a participation fee prior to joining the tour.
