2026 IFB Market Study Tour to Mexico

FACTORS AFFECTING U.S. TRADE WITH MEXICO

March 8-13, 2025

Qualified farmers are invited to apply for IFB's 2026 Market Study Tour to Mexico.

Participants will likely depart Illinois on Sunday, March 8, and return on Friday, March 13, 2026.

All applicants must:

Fund a portion of the cost of the trip, up to $2500.
Seek and receive the support of his/her county Farm Bureau.
Be in excellent health (e.g., able to walk at least 2 miles per day; comfortably tolerate changes in food, water, and weather; and able to tolerate 3-4 hour flights and bus rides).
Be willing and able to show or obtain at your own cost:

- A passport valid through October 1, 2026 or obtain one by January 20, 2026.
- Give 5 presentations (PowerPoint to be provided) to local, county, district, and state venues) upon return from the trip.
- Give 8-10 media interviews (before, during and after the trip).
- Remain active as a leader/spokesperson for IFB on Issues Tour topics.

Be willing and able to:

- Participate in a pre-trip briefing (possible conference call).
- Attend a mandatory 1-day briefing in Bloomington prior to the trip.

Airfare, meals, ground transportation, and night lodging are covered in the Issues Tour fee. Individual participants are responsible for incidental expenses (passport fee, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.). To be considered for the Mexico Market Study Tour, please complete the application as soon as possible and click SUBMIT.

A copy of your application will then be sent to your local county Farm Bureau.

IFB’s deadline for applications is Friday, December 19, at 4:00 p.m. Contact Tasha Bunting for more information, tbunting@ilfb.org