Farmers Explore Foreign Markets First Hand

Your Global Customers
Farmers know that they have customers in their own backyard and on the other side of the world. Illinois Farm Bureau makes it easier for farmers to get to know these global customers through an innovative program called Market Study Tours.

IFB's Market Studies are intense tours of a country, where farmers meet with governmental agencies, agribusinesses, and yes, other farmers! They explore topics ranging from production yields to trade agreements and from foreign policy to grocery shopping habits. The tour is designed to give farmers first-hand understanding of the global market that they can use on their own farms and share with their neighbors.

IFB has taken farmers to China, Japan, France, Holland, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Brazil, and other countries. Illinois Farm Bureau's most recent Market Study Tour was to Panama and Colombia in March 2011. 

Frequently Ask Questions

How can I get on a Market Study?
When a tour is announced, you'll need to complete an application. You'll want to spend some time on this application, because it will go through a blind judging process. About 14-16 farmers will be selected.

I'm not a farmer. Can I go?
Yes, all Illinois Farm Bureau members can apply. Professors, traders and seed sales representatives have found great ways to use their newfound know-how to benefit Illinois agriculture.

Is this an agritourism vacation?
No, it's anything but a vacation! They are fast-paced, information-laden classrooms on the go. Participants are expected to read the assigned background materials and to be familiar with the culture and agriculture of the country before boarding a plane. Once in this country, different participants will take the lead each day. They are required to write a report about that day for the entire group. After they have returned home (and gotten plenty of much needed sleep), each farmer is expected to give public presentations about the trip.

How long will I be gone?
Tours are typically 10-12 days long.

Who pays?
Illinois Farm Bureau pays for 1/3 and the participant is responsible for the other 2/3 of the cost. Many times, county Farm Bureaus will sponsor a farmer and pay 1/3 of the costs. 

When are the tours?
IFB conducts a tour every year, often in the Spring. Due to the evolving nature of foreign trade, these timelines are not set in stone. Let your county Farm Bureau know you're interested and ask them to help you keep an eye out for the next opportunity.