Located in one of the most fertile regions on Earth, agriculture is foundational to Champaign's identity. The surrounding county is dominated by the cultivation of corn and soybeans, which fuel local and global supply chains.
Champaign is not just a place where farming happens; it is a global center for agricultural innovation. The University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) conducts pioneering research in crop sciences, bioenergy, and sustainable farming practices. The area also supports a growing movement of organic farming, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and local farmers' markets that connect residents directly with regional food producers.
