IL Corn Advocates for Trade in Chicago

Lyndi Allen
October 1, 2025

IL Corn Leaders Highlight the Importance of Exports and Strong International Relationships

Dan Parker, Gabriel Mendoza: Consul for Economic and Cultural Affairs, Ambassador Reyna Torres: Consul General, Art Bunting, Jon Hurst, Collin Watters, Gerardo Guerrero: Deputy Consul General

Last week, IL Corn leaders Art Bunting and Dan Parker attended a series of trade meetings in Chicago that focused on trade relationships and the importance of agricultural exports.


Throughout the day, IL Corn met with the Consulate General of Canada, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Consulate General of Mexico, Food Export Midwest, and the Commodity Market Exchange (CME). The IL Corn leaders shared their personal stories on how trade affects their farm and families. They expressed how exports support farm incomes, the value of free and fair trade, and the need for strong international relationships.


A highlight of the event was Ambassador Reyna Torres, Consul General of Mexico, where IL Corn leaders discussed the vital relationship between the United States and Mexico markets for corn and other agricultural products. Ambassador Torres admired IL Corn for their efforts in connecting and supporting the Latino Caucus.


IL Corn continues to advocate for policies that keep markets open and create demand for Illinois corn farmers.

Infographic: U.S. corn exports to Mexico, including data on volume and uses in Mexican cuisine & beverages.

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