Illinois farmers grow a variety of specialty crops, even ranking among the top in the country for some. But what does this sector of agriculture include? Learn more with these farm facts.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.
- Illinois ranks in the top 10 for several specialty crops, including asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, green peas, lima beans, mustard greens and snap peas.
- Two-thirds of the U.S. horseradish supply comes from Illinois, bringing in $10 million annually.
- GoldRush apples – a sweet, tart yellow apple – are the state fruit of Illinois.
- Funding for Illinois specialty crops helped to develop a new variety of apple, the EverCrisp.
- Illinois farmers grow the most pumpkins in the U.S.
- 11,000 acres of jack-o’-lantern pumpkins
- 15,000 acres of processing pumpkins
- 10,000 acres of other cucurbits (gourds, squash, etc.)
- Illinois ranks as the nation’s third-largest grower of popcorn – the official snack food of Illinois.
- 333 Illinois farms spanning 47,000 acres produce popcorn.
Sources: Illinois Farm Bureau, U.S. Department of Agriculture
See more: Farm Facts: Apples
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