While Chicago is heavily urbanized today, its historical and economic ties to agriculture are profound.
* **Historical Legacy:** The Union Stock Yards once made Chicago the meatpacking capital of the world, processing millions of livestock annually until the mid-20th century. * **Commodities Trading:** The city remains the global nerve center for agricultural pricing and futures trading (corn, wheat, soybeans) via the Chicago Board of Trade. * **Food Processing:** It is one of the nation's largest hubs for food manufacturing, hosting giants like Kraft Heinz and Conagra Brands. * **Urban Agriculture:** Within the city limits, urban farming is a growing movement. Organizations like Gotham Greens operate massive rooftop hydroponic greenhouses, and community gardens are prevalent across the South and West sides.