IFB reps take market study tour in Mexico

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Thirteen Illinois Farm Bureau members traveled to Mexico to strengthen agricultural ties and gather insight on trade ahead of the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The 13-member delegation, which included IFB staff and a board director, as well as Illinois farmers and other agriculture professionals, traveled 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 and leader of the market study tour.

Raelynn Parmely, IFB economic and policy analyst, and IFB District 15 Director Steve Koeller also participated.

Attendees were to 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 toured CIMMYT — a leading corn and wheat research center — and visited a nearby university to learn how it partners with U.S. agencies and universities on research.

The itinerary also included a visit to a wet market, which sells fresh goods such as produce and meat, where attendees planned to discuss meat trade issues with representatives from the U.S. Meat Export Federation. The group was also set to stop at USMEF-affiliated retail locations that import U.S. products.

Other members of the market study tour delegation included:

• Ben Hugenberg, Adams County

• Tom McAfee, 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