OUR HISTORY

The Food and Agriculture RoadMap for Illinois (FARM Illinois) was established in 2014 to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to enable Illinois and the Chicago region to become the leading global hub for food and agriculture system innovation and ensure their leadership in sustainably meeting the 21st-century challenge of global and local food security.

Released in May 2015, the FARM Illinois roadmap outlines strategic recommendations that will set the national and international standard for how the food and agriculture system can improve health, contribute to the economy, create jobs, employ new technologies, preserve the environment, adapt to a changing climate, and help underserved communities.

The Illinois Agri-Food Alliance then organized as a statewide association to coordinate efforts across the food and agriculture system and implement the recommendations in the strategic roadmap. The Alliance is composed of distinguished leaders with renowned experience in agriculture, international markets, global food security, sustainability, community development, and related issues. 

Lead funding for the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance has been provided by the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust.  Additional funding support has been provided by 1st Farm Credit Services, AgriBank, Archer Daniels Midland Company, CoBank, CME Group, CSX Transportation, Farm Credit Illinois, Fresh Taste, GROWMARK, Inc., Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization—iBIO®, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Soybean Association, Ingredion, Renew Moline, Inc., The Chicago Community Trust, and United Airlines.