Illinois agriculture officials are hosting buyers from seven foreign countries this week in an effort to increase export sales for the state's pork industry.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture says the buyers are from China, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Thailand and Vietnam. Their tour lasts through Wednesday and includes stops in Red Bud and Teutopolis. The group will visit soybean researchers and family farmers among others.
On Thursday, the group will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, for the World Pork Expo.
Illinois agriculture director Philip Nelson say the tour is an important part of the state's efforts to grow the industry. He says the tour gives opportunities to build relationships with foreign buyers.
