Illinois hosts international buyers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In an effort to forge relationships and increase export sales of agricultural products, the Illinois Department of Agriculture hosted 31 international buyers from nine countries as part of a four-day tour.

Buyers from Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, China and Vietnam visited Illinois facilities Sept. 9-12.

“The Illinois Grain Tour gives participants the opportunity to meet and build relationships with our farmers, producers and retailers. The result is international exposure for Illinois grain,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II.

“Illinois leads the nation in soybean production, and we’re No. 2 in corn production. Nearly half of that inventory is exported, equating to billions of dollars in direct sales each year.”

The 2023 Illinois Grain Tour had projected sales of more than $30 million.

Representatives from IDOA accompanied participants for the duration of the four-day tour, which included stops at:

• Melvin Price Locks & Dam

• GSI

• RTS Farm

• Clarkson Grain

• Illinois Soybean Association

• Marquis Energy

• Syngenta Research & Development Center

• AgResource Company

• Seedburo Equipment Company

• Chicago Board of Trade & MANNS Traders

• Delong Company

All participants of the Illinois Grain Tour are required to pay their own airfare, as well as a participation fee prior to joining the tour.