Like no time in its 190-year history, Illinois is now in
a unique position to leverage its strengths in order to
feed the world’s needs for food and fuel.
In an increasingly competitive global agricultural
market, Illinois agriculture is at risk of being left
behind by other Midwestern states and emerging
global competitors. Clear vision, focus, and
strategies are needed to guide decisions and
investments.
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“It is a very critical time period for us to put our thinking caps on
and think, ‘What type of infrastructure do we need, what valueadded agriculture is going to be enhanced, and what opportunities
are staring producers in the face?’” Philip Nelson, President, Illinois
Farm Bureau
“We’ll see tremendous change in Illinois agriculture in the next 10 to
15 years. It is important to prepare for change, and this (effort) will
give us insight into collectively what we all are thinking.” Chuck
Hartke, Former Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture
“It’s important for us to have a sense of what the (ag) sector’s vision
is for the future so our efforts are supportive of that.” Dean Robert
Easter, University of Illinois
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Greg Webb, Archer Daniel Midland (ADM)
Bill Davisson, GROWMARK, Inc.
Jim Hoyt, GROWMARK, Inc.
Greg Oltman, GRO Horticultural Enterprises
Tim Southey, Greenview Nursery Company
Gary Ash, 1st Farm Credit Services
Don Borgman, Deere & Co.
William Kirk, Advance BioNutrition
Dr. Harris Lewin, University of Illinois
Dr. Robert Easter, University of Illinois
Dr. Robert L. Thompson, University of Illinois
Dr. Faye Dong, University of Illinois
Dr. Gary Minish, Southern Illinois University
Philip Nelson, Illinois Farm Bureau
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Lyle Roberts, Illinois Soybean Association
Rodney M. Weinzierl, Illinois Corn Growers Association & Illinois Corn
Marketing Board
Rod Stoll, Farm Credit Services of Illinois
Doug McNeely, Bunge, Inc.
David Miller, iBIO
Jim Kaitschuck, Illinois Pork Producers Association
Maralee Johnson, Illinois Beef Association
Robert Rhykerd, Illinois State University
Heather Hampton-Knodle, Illinois Agri Women
Russ Moroz, Kraft Foods
Warren Ribley, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity
Tom Carper, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity
Dave Tierney, Monsanto Company
Phase I:
Project kick-off
and information
gathering
Phase II:
Environmental
scan
Phase III:
Identification of
issues and
opportunities
Phase IV:
Vision and
strategy
development
Phase V:
Tactical
implementation
Step 1
Step 1
Step 1
Step 1
Step 1
• Project kick-off and
information
gathering session
with Steering
Committee
• Aggregate current
data and research
• Conduct Planning
session
• Distribute Planning
meeting pre-work
• Develop Strategy
implementation
action plans
Step 2
Step 2
Step 2
• Gather input from
industry leaders
• Develop,
distribute and
comment on postmeeting notes
• Conduct Second
Planning Committee
meeting
Step 2
• Orient Planning
Committee
Step 3
• Assist with
communication
plan
Step 3
• Develop market
trends document
Step 3
• Develop, distribute
and comment on
post-meeting notes
 Market trends complement consumer demand
Inputs
 Issue: use of Ag chemicals on food, commodity exports and imports, production
farm land consolidation, and labor availability
costs,
 Consumer trends create demand pull for food and fuel
Producers
 Issue: farm mechanization, low labor intensity, changing food habits, quality produce, GM
food, organic agriculture, substituting products.
 Technological advancements influence the future course of agriculture ecosystem
Outputs
Issues
 Issue: bio technology, cellulosic ethanol production, farm equipment, alternative fuels, food
processing, live stock, Ag GPS, remote sensing
 Government regulations and polices are important guiding principles of the agriculture
industry
 Issues: biofuel tax benefits, bio technology, funds for research and development, land
ownership, labor laws
 Efficient transport infrastructure will be key driver of local connectivity and global reach.
 Issues: rail, barge, road transport, container movement, port and dock facilities,
technological advantages
To be a global leader of
profitable food and
agricultural production.
1. Grow agricultural production and exports
to a top three ranking in the United States
through the growth of both commodity
and value added production.
2. Enable food manufacturing growth to a top
three ranking in the United States.
3. Lead the United States as the alternative
bio-based outcomes leader through the
adoption of new technologies.
1.
Attract and train the necessary human and capital resources
to support initiatives aimed at growing the food and
agriculture industries.
2.
Create a favorable business environment to nurture
economic development in the state.
3.
Improve community vitality.
4.
Advance intellectual and innovations resources.
5.
Act as a catalyst in forming strategic partnerships aimed at
growing and sustaining the food and agriculture industries.
1. Provide direction on education and workforce development.
 Study and recommend key areas of substantial workforce
skills deficit.
 Encourage expanded leadership programs.
2. Attract highly qualified talent in state’s food and agriculture
sector.
 Analysis to better understand underlying issues.
 Develop a public/private partnership to promote food
and ag career opportunities.
1. Public/private partnership to communicate the
importance of food and ag to state’s economic
development.
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Inventory critical business climate issues.
Create communication program.
Establish food and agriculture networking organization.
2. Streamline permitting process and regulations to
improve Illinois competitive position.
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Developing action plan to address.
Implementation Teams
 Short term priorities
 Progress on long term priorities
Planning Team (meet 1-2 times a year)
 Monitor progress
 Identify emerging issues
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To view the report go to:
www.illinoisagriculturevision.org
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Username: illinoisAG
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Password: 1vision
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Or e-mail: cmagnuson@ilfb.org