About Us

Kankakee-Iroquois Region Agriculture Accelerator

Capturing Opportunity Through Value-Added Agriculture

The Kankakee Iroquois Region Agriculture Accelerator is a framework developed to guide rural communities in the development and implementation of agricultural strategies.

History and Background

The counties in the Kankakee Iroquois Region started work on developing a regional ag strategy in 2020 and completed the Kankakee Iroquois Regional Ag Strategy in December 2022. The task force members reviewed relevant industry data, developed a uniform survey tool, and visited 49 local agribusinesses and allied industries. After listening to concerns of these regional businesses and exploring future opportunities, the task force identified ways local and regional economic development professionals and partners could support the long-term sustainability and growth of these and other businesses and the regional economy through an enhanced focus on agricultural development.

Participating businesses were afforded a clearer view of the tools that local governments and economic development organizations possess to assist in promoting the agribusiness industry cluster, especially given the prominent agriculture presence in the Kankakee Iroquois Region.

Following the development of the Regional Ag Strategy, the regional counties had the forethought to apply for READI 1.0 dollars through the Northwest Indiana Forum Foundation to assist in the implementation of the ag strategy. The funds, in the amount of $470,000, were awarded in the Fall of 2023. Our two consultants were hired in the Spring of 2024, to assist with the implementation. A not-for-profit organization has been formed with the goal of continuing the regional ag strategy work as a long-term economic development strategy for the region.

With the official conclusion of the READI 1.0 funding cycle, the Kankakee Iroquois Regional Agricultural Strategy successfully achieved its primary initiatives. The $470,000 grant directly funded the retention of expert consulting partners who spearheaded business outreach, technical assistance, and strategic growth modeling across the region. Crucially, this seed funding catalyzed the transition from a short-term grant initiative into a permanent regional framework. Through the establishment of the new regional non-profit entity, KIRAG, local economic development leaders, county stakeholders, and agricultural partners now have a dedicated platform to sustain business retention, drive supply-chain expansion, and accelerate the region’s agribusiness sector for years to come.

Agricultural strength is prevalent in the Kankakee Iroquois Region and the goal in implementing the Regional Ag Strategy is to identify the ag assets (raw materials) and resources that will help leaders develop the policies, infrastructure, sites, and support needed to create long-term improvements in their rural economies.