Homegrown Illinois corn is a sustainable crop that supports farm families, local communities, and Illinois’ economy.
Plentiful and powerful, corn is a 10,000+ year-old grain providing solutions to today’s big environmental challenges. From a better plastic option to renewable fuel to mitigating climate change, come explore the role we can all play in creating a future that’s better for our planet and better for us all.
THE ECONOMICS BEHIND ILLINOIS CORN
96% of Illinois farms remain family-owned and operated. Their dedication to continuous improvement is in part why Illinois is #1 in the nation for corn economic output.
The state’s annual corn crop provides more than $148 billion in annual economic value to Illinois.
CORN-CONNECTED JOBS
Thousands of Illinois jobs have a connection to corn – from
the farmers themselves to seed companies, transit workers, food companies, and more.
HOW CORN IS USED
Most of Illinois’ corn goes to other countries. In fact, Illinois
is the largest corn-exporting state in the nation.
Corn is also used for ethanol, livestock feed, food and industrial uses like bioplastics.
MOVING CORN NEAR AND FAR
From its robust rail system to its thousands of waterways, Illinois was built for transporting a crop like corn.
CORN CAN BE FOUND IN PRACTICALLY EVERY ILLINOIS HOME AS OUR FAVORITE FOODS, OTHER HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS, AND NOW BIOPLASTICS.
See how this ancient grain that’s been grown for more than 1,000 years is now used in an innovative way.
ALEXIS HARTMAN
"I’m looking for ways to reduce my own environmental footprint and eliminating single-use plastics is just one way of doing that. Bioplastics made from plants can be an alternative to traditional plastic, and I feel good about plant-based plastics that are made from crops grown right here in Illinois. Do the research and make a choice that works for you."
WATERLOO, ILLINOIS
YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS COULD BE MADE WITH CORN
As consumer concern about plastic pollution grows, 1 in 3 adults say they have reduced their use of plastic products over the past five years.
An alternative to traditional plastic made from petroleum is corn-based bioplastic.
Mission: Through grassroots advocacy, create a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully.