SPRINGFIELD, IL - Governor JB Pritzker has declared March 19, 2025, as Illinois Agriculture Trade Day in recognition of the enormous positive contribution agriculture trade makes to the state's economy, farmers, and communities. Illinois Agriculture Trade Day honors Illinois' farmers, producers and related agricultural businesses and the role they play in feeding the world. 

Illinois' agricultural producers are among the most productive in the world and play a vital role in food security both here and abroad. As Illinois' top industry, agriculture is a central driver of the economy, with the state ranking No. 1 in the production of soybeans, pumpkins and horseradish; No. 2 in corn; No. 4 in hogs and No. 10 in wheat.

Illinois is the largest total exporting state in the Midwest with total agriculture exports in 2023 estimated at $13.7 billion.

Agricultural exports provide significant support to Illinois' rural communities, generating jobs, driving innovation, and connecting local producers to global markets. 

Governor JB Pritzker described the unique contribution that international trade in agriculture plays in the state in the text of the declaration, noting that "Illinois' thriving agriculture sector provides jobs across our state, not just for farmers and ranchers, but for processors, scientists, shippers, trucking, and retailers."

In honor of Illinois Agriculture Trade Day, the community is encouraged to visit agr.illinois.gov to learn about food and agriculture in Illinois and FeedingtheEconomy.com to learn more about role that food and agriculture plays in our state and national economy. 

The full text of Governor Pritzker's declaration is below:

WHEREAS, Illinois farmers and ranchers are global leaders in productivity who successfully provide food and fiber for the world and drive the number one industry in our state's economy; and,

WHEREAS, Illinois' thriving agriculture sector provides jobs across our state, not just for farmers and ranchers, but for processors, scientists, shippers, trucking, and retailers; and, 

WHEREAS, Illinois stands as a leader in agricultural production and ranks third in agriculture exports in the United States, providing a vast array of products that are critical both domestically and internationally; and, 

WHEREAS, Illinois' leading agriculture exports include, but are not limited to corn, soybeans, and food products, with 44 percent of Illinois produced grain exported; and, 

WHEREAS, 20 percent of beef products produced in Illinois are exported and over $500 million in pork exports and nearly $50 million in dairy exports come from Illinois annually; and, 

WHEREAS, trade relations are vital for the continued growth and success of Illinois' agricultural sector; and,  

WHEREAS, disruptions in trade, especially not adhering to trade policy, can harm relations with trade partners and erase markets if nations are forced to seek new trade partners with more favorable terms; and,

WHEREAS, it is imperative to raise awareness among consumers, businesses, and policymakers about the challenges and opportunities facing agricultural trade;

THEREFORE, I, JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby declare March 19, 2025, is Illinois Agriculture Trade Day.