Rockford Sun

Illinois: A Great Place for Specialty Crops

Illinois is known for more than just corn and soybeans. With its ideal soil and weather conditions, the state is a prime location for growing a wide variety of foods, including many that are traditionally enjoyed at Thanksgiving.

According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, our state is excellent for specialty crops and can cultivate almost anything found in a grocery store, with the exception of tropical fruits. "Illinois is great for specialty crops, and we can grow almost anything you find in a grocery store, except for the tropical fruits," says the Illinois Farm Bureau.

In addition to corn and soybeans, Illinois leads in the production of pumpkins and horseradish. We are also among the top 10 states for cauliflower, broccoli, peas, and asparagus. In fact, Illinois boasts the third highest number of farmers markets in the entire United States.

Finding local foods in Illinois is easier than ever thanks to the Illinois Farm Bureau's Local Food Directory. This comprehensive directory lists over 2,400 farms and food stores, making it simple to locate and support local producers. Best of all, it is free to use.

As Thanksgiving approaches, agriculture experts suggest that most of the foods needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal can be sourced locally in Illinois. "You can get most of your Thanksgiving foods from Illinois," says an agriculture expert. "You can find local turkey farms and other items like pecans. The best method to get what you need is using the Local Food Directory to find what’s near you."

And if you're worried about a pumpkin shortage, fear not. Illinois had a successful pumpkin season, and the state is responsible for growing the majority of pumpkins in the country. In fact, Morton, Illinois, even holds the title of the "pumpkin capital of the world" due to its exceptional pumpkin-growing conditions.

Shopping locally not only allows you to enjoy the freshest produce, but it also provides an opportunity to learn about how your food is grown while supporting local farmers and businesses. However, it's important to plan ahead when shopping locally, as some items may need to be ordered in advance, and you may need to visit multiple locations to find everything you need.

For those interested in growing specialty crops or running a local food business, the Illinois Farm Bureau offers the Everything Local Conference. This conference provides valuable insights and knowledge on growing specialty crops and managing a local food business.

This Thanksgiving, consider enjoying the bounty of Illinois farms and supporting local producers. Happy Thanksgiving!

To find out more, go to this link: https://repcabello.com/2023/11/21/enjoy-illinois-grown-foods-for-thanksgiving/