Soybean farmers host General Assembly, Mexican Consulate members

CHICAGO — Illinois Soybean Association and Illinois Soybean Growers brought together members of the Mexican Consulate and the Illinois General Assembly for a discussion highlighting the value of Illinois soybeans, strong trade relations and the impact Illinois farmers have across the world.

“As soybean farmers, we work hard to grow a high-quality crop, but that’s only part of our story. Developing strong relationships with policymakers, international partners and customers helps create continuing opportunities for Illinois farmers and keeps our soybeans competitive on the world market,” said ISA Chairman Bryan Severs, of Potomac.

Soybeans stand as the state’s leading agricultural export, with over 10 million acres farmed and more than 639 million bushels harvested annually.

Nearly 60% of those soybeans are exported, with Mexico serving as one of the industry’s largest and most important trading partners.

The dinner on Aug. 4 provided an opportunity to strengthen that relationship through recognizing the substantial economic contributions of Illinois soybean farmers and how their work plays a major role in Illinois communities and the state’s overall financial security.

“Illinois’ farmers lead the world in soybean production. Now, as farmers everywhere face unprecedented challenges, Illinois also needs to lead the conversation on the affordability crisis, energy policy, land use, tariffs and more,” said Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Westchester.

“I’m grateful for the Illinois Soybean Association, leaders from across Illinois and our international partners all working together at this critical moment.”

“Our farmers are worth investing in and fighting for, and when they thrive, all of Illinois thrives,” said Christian Mitchell, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor.

“We grow more soybeans than any state in the country, and we intend to keep it that way. JB Pritzker and I will continue working hand in hand with the Illinois Soybean Association to create jobs, keep our export markets open and make sure our growers have everything they need.”

Severs added that Illinois soybean farmers are key players in Illinois’s economy. They support over 200,000 full-time jobs and soybean farm production generates approximately $1.3 billion annually in tax revenue.

This demonstrates the importance of strengthening relationships to continue expanding markets and advocating for policies that keep Illinois soybean farmers competitive on the global scale, the chairman said.

“It is an incredible opportunity whenever we have the chance to work with our friends and partners across the border. Our farmers work tirelessly to feed our communities while also creating new innovative markets that go far beyond the field and table,” said state Sen. Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago.

“We are proud to be the No. 1 producing soybean state in the nation and the Latino Caucus is committed to working with Illinois Soybean Association to keep soybeans Illinois’ largest agriculture export.”

“As the proud daughter and granddaughter of farmers, I’ll fight in Congress to deliver real relief to Illinois soybean farmers and make sure Illinois agriculture has a seat at the table in every trade decision. Our farmers feed the world — and I’ll always have their back,” said Patty Garcia, the Democratic nominee for the 4th Congressional District.