Peoria is Plant Based
In the heart of Central Illinois, a new era is emerging from the fertile lands traditionally celebrated for their agricultural prowess. Greater Peoria is becoming synonymous with a revolutionary blend of agriculture and cutting-edge bioprocessing technologies, setting the stage for a sustainable and economically vibrant future. This transformation is not just reshaping the industry landscape but is also redefining the region’s contribution to global sustainability efforts.
Want to learn more about our thriving bioprocessing ecosystem? Download the full report here!
Greater Peoria boasts a unique combination of natural resources, infrastructure, and human talent, making it an ideal location for the bioprocessing industry. The region’s fertile soil is perfect for growing key inputs like corn, soybean, and pumpkin. Additionally, the presence of the Illinois River, along with the Mahomet and Sankoty aquifers, ensures an abundance of water resources. A well-established transportation network including roads, rails, and an international airport, coupled with a history of innovation, provides the perfect ecosystem for bioprocessing companies to thrive.
The agricultural land spanning Central Illinois plays a crucial role in the economy, with an impressive $1.1 billion in annual commodity sales. This area is a significant contributor to Illinois’ grain sales, highlighting its importance in the broader agricultural sector. The bioprocessing industry further amplifies this impact, creating jobs and fostering economic growth within the region.
Greater Peoria is home to several key infrastructures that support the bioprocessing industry. The USDA National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research leads in agricultural innovation, while Distillery Labs and the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center serve as hubs for entrepreneurial growth. The Illinois Waterways Port Authority ensures the region remains a key player in national and international markets.
Despite the industry’s growth, finding skilled labor remains a challenge. Collaborative efforts between local educational institutions and industry leaders aim to develop a workforce capable of meeting the sector’s needs, ensuring the region’s competitive edge in bioprocessing.
Greater Peoria is paving the way in precision fermentation and bioprocessing, anchored by the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Bioprocessing Hub (iFab). Recently designated as a federal Tech Hub, iFab received a $51 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, solidifying Central Illinois as a national leader in this innovative field.
Led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, iFab collaborates with regional industry leaders such as Alto Ingredients in Pekin and Natural Fiber Welding in Peoria. These partnerships drive cutting-edge research and development, ensuring that Greater Peoria benefits from transformative advancements and new opportunities for growth.
This significant investment positions the region as a hub of innovation, fostering a thriving ecosystem where bioprocessing companies can excel.
Businesses in Greater Peoria are connected regionally through access to quick and efficient railroad service. The region has its own terminal and switching railroad and five “Class 1” and six shortline railroads. Rail service providers include BNSF, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, Genesee and Wyoming, and Iowa Interstate Railroad.
The region is served by three interstates: I-74, I-474 and I-155. These connect to major transnational corridors like I-80, I-55, and I-57. Greater Peoria is home to a number of best-in-class trucking and logistic firms such as G&D Integrated, Federal Companies, and Air-Land Transport. The Peoria market is also connected to the global market via the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, which offers direct domestic flights and various connecting routes. The airport connects with 14 non-stop flight destinations, including daily connections to Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, and Denver. Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington-Normal (a 45-minute drive) has daily flights to Atlanta, plus additional options for Chicago and Dallas. Chicago O’Hare and St. Louis Lambert airports are each a two-and-a-half hour drive from Peoria.
The Greater Peoria region offers a variety of development-ready sites tailored to the needs of plant-based industries. From expansive plots of land for new construction to modern facilities ready for immediate use, our locations are primed to support the growth of bioprocessing and sustainability-focused businesses.
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Peoria’s strategic location, innovative ecosystem, and abundant resources make it the ideal place to grow your plant-based business. Explore these opportunities and join our thriving bioprocessing community!
There are numerous ways for businesses, investors, and job seekers to engage with and contribute to the burgeoning bioprocessing industry in Greater Peoria. From participating in local innovation hubs to exploring investment opportunities, the region welcomes all forms of collaboration to foster growth and innovation.
