When people think of Illinois agriculture, corn and soybeans are likely the first crops that come to mind. But great soil, favorable climate, strong family tradition and good old Illinois ingenuity make the state a top grower of several specialty crops as well.

Pumpkins, melons, horseradish, peaches, apples, popcorn and grapes for wine production are just some of the lesser-known crops grown on over 100,000 acres of Illinois farmland each year. In 2010, specialty crops generated more than $400 million in sales.

The Illinois Where Fresh Is logo program is made available by the Illinois Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Illinois Specialty growers for producers and retailers to use as a tool to help promote Illinois grown produce, fruits and other horticulture commodities. The Illinois Where Fresh Is logo is part of a marketing campaign that can be used to help identify and sell Illinois-grown produce at grocery stores throughout Illinois. This is just one piece of a larger state-wide initiative that will be promoting the logo through various media outlets including television, radio and billboards.