Dec 25, 2015
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.
“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 value-added 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
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
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 V:Tactical implementation
Phase V:Tactical implementation
Phase IV:Vision and strategy development
Phase IV:Vision and strategy development
Phase III:Identification of issues and opportunities
Phase III:Identification of issues and opportunities
Phase II:Environmental scan
Phase II:Environmental scan
Phase I: Project kick-off and information gathering
Phase I: Project kick-off and information gathering
Step 1
• Project kick-off and
information
gathering session
with Steering
Committee
Step 2
• Orient Planning
Committee
Step 3
• Assist with
communication
plan
Step 1
• Aggregate current
data and research
Step 2
• Gather input from
industry leaders
Step 3
• Develop market
trends document
Step 1
• Conduct Planning
session
Step 2
• Develop,
distribute and
comment on post-
meeting notes
Step 1
• Distribute Planning
meeting pre-work
Step 2
• Conduct Second
Planning Committee
meeting
Step 3
• Develop, distribute
and comment on
post-meeting notes
Step 1
• Develop Strategy
implementation
action plans
Producers
Outputs
Inputs
Issues
Technological advancements influence the future course of agriculture ecosystem
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
Consumer trends create demand pull for food and fuel
Issue: farm mechanization, low labor intensity, changing food habits, quality produce, GM food, organic agriculture, substituting products.
Market trends complement consumer demand
Issue: use of Ag chemicals on food, commodity exports and imports, production costs, farm land consolidation, and labor availability
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
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.
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. 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
To view the report go to: www.illinoisagriculturevision.org
Username: illinoisAG
Password: 1vision
Or e-mail: [email protected]