Join our region's growing industry.
From our long history as leaders in production, to our food additives and chemical manufacturing, and our successful food and agtech startups—the food and ag industry is ingrained in the economy and communities of Greater Peoria. Your business will thrive here, in the economic hub of Central Illinois.
Greater Peoria is blessed with rich, fertile soil that has continued to provide high yields for generations of farmers, providing the foundation for a thriving food and ag ecosystem. Anchored by corn, soybeans, and specialty crops, our agriculture industry continues to grow, innovate, and diversify.
Illinois produces more soybeans than any other state.
In 2019, Illinois farmers raised 532.4M bushels on 9.86M harvested acres with an average yield of 54 bushels per acre.*
*Source: Illinois Soybean Association.
Specialty and Organic Crops
In Greater Peoria, specialty crops are our, well, specialty. We are the #1 producers of pumpkins and popcorn in the entire US. Our region is anchored by a growing network of small diversified farmers that are developing new markets and mid-sized processing facilities throughout Central Illinois.
85% of the world’s pumpkin is canned in Greater Peoria.*
*Source: Enjoy Illinois.
Our region is also home to the largest concentration of USDA Organic Certified farm operations in Illinois. Woodford and Tazewell counties are the number 1 and number 2 counties respectively. Combined with our agtech innovators, our region is leading in the design of economically and ecologically sustainable industry.
A Place to Grow and Innovate
Join our list of companies forging new paths in agriculture. From ag-tech companies creating technologies for improved planting and fertilization methods, to the development of plant-based building materials, Greater Peoria is a great place to get ahead of the curve.
Industry Leaders
With support from local, regional, and state agencies—as well as a growing list of industry groups and resources—your hemp business can be built to scale right here in Greater Peoria.
From our rich farmland and expert farmers, to companies such as Revolution Enterprises and manufacturing startup Natural Fiber Welding, to our logistically-advantageous location, Greater Peoria is the perfect spot to grow, process, manufacture, and distribute your hemp products.
Tap Into a Growing Network.
At the Greater Peoria EDC, we are tapped into a state-wide network of growers and industry stakeholders who are carving a path for a successful hemp industry supply chain throughout Illinois.
Are you a grower or processor?
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is now accepting applications for both growers and processors of industrial hemp.
National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research
NCAUR is one of the nation’s largest USDA-ARS research facilities. The NCAUR invents new uses of agricultural commodities for industrial and food products, and develops technologies to improve environmental quality. NCAUR is a world-class research facility where the future of agriculture is being created — right here in Peoria, Illinois.
Illinois Innovation Network
Greater Peoria is part of a new state-wide initiative led by the University of Illinois to develop a network of innovation centers. OSF Healthcare, Greater Peoria EDC, Illinois Central College, and University of Illinois are working together to develop the Peoria Innovation Hub where food and agriculture innovation will be a primary focus. Get in on the ground floor of the next wave of innovation in this critical industry, right here in Central Illinois.
Want To Learn More? Contact Us.
Lenora Fisher
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
Director of Business Attraction
C: 309-253-6010
E: lfisher@greaterpeoriaedc.org
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