Thirteen Illinois Farm Bureau members are heading to Mexico next week to strengthen agricultural ties and gather insight on trade ahead of the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The 13-member delegation, which includes IFB staff and a board director, as well as Illinois farmers and other agriculture professionals, is traveling to Mexico City on March 9 on an IFB-sponsored trip.
“My goal is for each attendee to build meaningful relationships and to serve as a strong spokesperson for Illinois agriculture; both during the trip and long after they return,” said Tasha Bunting, IFB director of commodity programs and food systems, who is leading the market study tour. Raelynn Parmely, IFB economic and policy analyst, and IFB District 15 Director Steve Koeller will also participate.
Attendees will meet with Illinois Department of Agriculture officials and Foreign Agricultural Service representatives in Mexico City, with the USMCA as a central focus. The group also will tour CIMMYT — a leading corn and wheat research center — and visit a nearby university to learn how it partners with U.S. agencies and universities on research.
The itinerary also includes a visit to a wet market, which sells fresh goods such as produce and meat, where attendees will discuss meat trade issues with representatives from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The group will stop at USMEF‑affiliated retail locations that import U.S. products.
Other members of the market study tour delegation include:
- Tom McAfee, Adams County
- Ben Hugenberg, Adams County
- William Barth, Bond County
- Eric Holscher, Crawford County
- Kevin Miller, Effingham County
- Tom McAfee, Jersey County
- Dale Pitstick, Kane County
- Molly Rosentreter, Macoupin County
- David Wirth, Sangamon County
- David Headly, Tazewell County
About Illinois Farm Bureau:
Founded in 1916, Illinois Farm Bureau – originally known as the Illinois Agricultural Association – is a nonprofit, grassroots membership organization. Illinois Farm Bureau and a statewide network of county Farm Bureaus give members an advantage through impactful advocacy, trusted information and meaningful development to support their careers and Illinois farm families.
Learn more about Illinois agriculture at www.ilfb.org. Connect with Illinois Farm Bureau on Facebook: Illinois Farm Bureau | Facebook, Instagram @ilfarmbureau, X @ILFarmBureau, or on TikTok @illinoisfarmbureau.
***Courtesy of the Illinois Farm Bureau***
