Prairie State Wire

International buyers from six countries in the Middle East and Asia will visit Illinois as part of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's (IDOA) second grain tour of 2025. The event, scheduled for September 29 through October 2, aims to build relationships that could increase export sales of Illinois agricultural products.

The delegation includes representatives from China, Vietnam, Egypt, Jordan, Singapore, and Mauritius. This is the second time IDOA has split its tours by region due to high demand; a previous tour in August welcomed buyers from Latin America.

Governor JB Pritzker commented on the challenges facing Illinois farmers due to federal trade policies: “Thanks to Trump’s reckless economic policies, Illinois’ $26.4 billion agriculture industry is being pummeled by tariff-driven trade disruptions, costing farmers income and jeopardizing jobs across rural communities. As we find ways to address the impact of these disastrous economic policies, I commend IDOA for hosting a second grain tour to showcase our leading agriculture industry while attracting international buyers.”

The program allows international visitors to meet directly with local farmers and agribusiness leaders. “The Illinois Grain Tour creates a valuable opportunity for international visitors to engage directly with Illinois farmers, processors, and agribusiness leaders,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “Nearly half of our grain production—worth billions of dollars annually—is exported to global markets. With the daily instability created by changing federal tariffs, it is imperative for Illinois to continue fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships with international buyers in order to sustain and grow our agricultural economy.”

While final sales numbers from this year’s tours are not yet available, projected sales from last year’s event reached $159 million.

During their stay in Illinois, participants will visit several key sites:

- Melvin Price Locks & Dam on the Upper Mississippi River facilitates freight movement for about 175 million tons each year.

- Perten Instruments provides testing solutions for food quality and efficiency.

- RTS Farm operates on 2,300 acres growing corn and soybeans as part of University of Illinois research efforts.

- Clarkson Grain specializes in Non-GMO and organic grains with facilities for storage and processing.

- GSI manufactures steel farm bins and advanced grain dryers.

- The Illinois Soybean Association represents 43,000 state soybean producers.

- Marquis Energy operates the largest dry-mill ethanol plant in the U.S., distributing globally via river access and railroads.

- Delong Co. leads container exports in commercial grain programs shipping domestically and internationally.

- The Chicago Board of Trade focuses on agricultural commodities trading as part of CME Group; MANNS Traders Group offers brokerage services.

All participants pay their own airfare and a participation fee. IDOA has organized such tours since 1996—including a virtual edition during the COVID pandemic.