The largest supplier of horseradish roots in the United States was recently saluted by Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka for its contribution to Illinois agri-tourism.

The Collinsville based J.R. Kelly Company – The Horseradish House markets 10 to 12 million pounds of horseradish per year.

“It is incredible to have JR Kelly Company continue to support agriculture year after year,” Topinka said in a press release. “It promotes tourism for our state, and I thank the many people who work so hard to make it happen.”

As part of the Office of the Comptroller’s “Agri-Tourism Day” at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Topinka presented Agriculture leaders from throughout the state with proclamations celebrating their achievements and continuing dedication. Scott Winter of the Tourism Bureau Illinois South accepted the award on behalf of J.R. Kelly Company – The Horseradish House.

According to the press release, agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois in terms of economic impact, contributing more than $8.85 billion to the state’s economy annually. The state’s 72,500 farms utilize 75 percent of Illinois land. Agri-tourists promote agriculture and tourism through a wide range of activities, including picking farm products, riding horses, learning about wine and cheese-making and shopping for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts.