Ag Resources

Growing Cook County: Where Agriculture Meets Innovation and Impact

Think agriculture doesn't play a big role in an urban hub like Cook County? Think again! From rooftop gardens to massive food manufacturing plants, Cook County is growing more than you might expect- and the numbers prove it.

🐄 Jobs That Feed the Region

Cook County ranks:

• 🥈 #2 in Illinois for crop-related jobs
• 🥇 #1 for livestock and poultry employment
• 🥇 #1 in other agriculture-related jobs

Altogether, agriculture supports over 110,000 jobs in Cook County- the highest of any county in Illinois. That’s a 3% jump in just a few years!

🍞 Cook County’s Food Industry is On Fire

We're not just farming- we’re feeding the entire region. In 2022, food manufacturing stirred up $9.1 billion of Chicago’s GDP. And if you’ve ever enjoyed a fresh loaf of bread, you’re contributing to the nearly $1 billion GDP slice baked by our bread and bakery sector (minus the frozen stuff).

🍭 Sweet Jobs, Sweeter Economy

Nonchocolate candy manufacturers are doing more than satisfying sweet tooths — they’re boosting the economy with nearly 3,500 jobs and over $540 million in GDP. Gummy bears have never looked so powerful.

🌿 Leaders in Ag Value

Cook County tops the charts in total agriculture value added with a whopping $15.4 billion, up 3%. That’s leadership rooted in innovation, resilience, and local pride.

🚜 Big Impact from Small Spaces

Cook County farms may be compact (averaging just 67 acres), but they’re mighty! Most farms here are under 10 acres, making the most of urban and suburban space. From backyard plots to vertical farms, urban agriculture is thriving, proving you don’t need thousands of acres to grow something incredible.

🥦 Fresh and Local, All Around

With nearly 120 farmers' markets, Cook County brings the farm stand right to the neighborhood. Whether you’re craving crisp apples, artisanal honey, or handmade tamales, fresh food is never far away.

🚜 Farm to Table, Closer Than Ever

Over 35 local farms now sell directly to consumers- a growing trend that brings in more than $2.3 million. Fresh food is good for your plate and the economy!

🧑‍🌾 New Faces, Deep Roots

Nearly half of all farm operators here are new or beginning farmers. Even better? Over 75% of farms are family-owned, blending modern ideas with generations of passion and purpose.

🍽️ Organic Behind the Scenes

While we don’t have many certified organic farms, we lead in what happens after the harvest. Cook County boasts nearly 150 certified organic handling facilities, from bakeries to distilleries, turning local ingredients into delicious organic favorites.

💬 Final Bite

Cook County’s agriculture scene is anything but ordinary. It’s innovative, impactful, and deeply rooted in both tradition and forward-thinking. So the next time you bite into a slice of bread, a sweet treat, or a locally grown salad- remember, you’re tasting the fruits of a $15 billion powerhouse.

Sources

• 2022 Census of Agriculture, released on February 13, 2024. The census surveyed changes in land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, and income and expenditures from 2017 to 2022
• 2023 Feeding the Economy
• 2024 Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) Economic Contribution Study. The survey was conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions for the Institute for Feed Education and Research