21 International Buyers Visit Illinois for Grain Tour, Meeting with Local Farmers

There are international buyers from 6 different countries visiting Illinois during the state's 2025 Illinois Grain Tour next week.

Building Global Agricultural Ties

According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, 21 buyers will visit the Land of Lincoln for a four-day tour from August 25 to 28 to visit farms, production facilities, and research centers in the state to strengthen export relationships.

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The delegation will include buyers from Peru, Colombia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Illinois' Global Role in Agriculture

Illinois continues to be a dominant force in global agriculture, ranking as the top soybean producer and second in America with corn production, according to the press release.

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Nearly half of Illinois' output of soybeans and corn is sold internationally, accounting for billions of dollars in sales.

The Illinois Grain Tour offers a unique opportunity for visitors from around the world to meet Illinois farmers, producers, and retailers face-to-face. At a time when global tensions are high and the impact of tariffs remains to be seen, building these mutually beneficial relationships is more important than ever. -IDOA Director Jerry Costello II

The 2024 Illinois Grain Tour alone projected $159 million in export sales, which is the reason for the annual visit with international buyers.

Tour Stops Across Illinois

The tour will feature stops at key agricultural and research facilities across Illinois, including the Illinois Soybean Association, the Farm Progress Show, Marquis Energy, and the Syngenta Research and Development Center.

According to the press release, the international buyers cover their airfare and pay a participation fee to ensure Illinois state taxpayers don't cover the cost of the program.