Skip to Main Content

Here's how you know.
 **The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.
 This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted  — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.
 Ask A Question
                            Contact Us
                            DigiTop
             


                   National Agricultural Library


                          
                            U.S. Department of Agriculture
                    Search
    Advanced Search Special Collections Home
    Browse Exhibits
        An Illustrated Expedition of North America
            Frank N. Meyer
            Popcorn: Ingrained in America's Agricultural History
            Smokey Bear
            The American Dairy Industry
            USDA's Contributions to Parasitology
            Image Galleries >
                Manuscript Collections
                    Nursery and Seed Trade Catalogs
                    Poster Collection
                    Rare Books
            Special Exhibits >
                Agent Orange
                    Collections Calendar
                    STOP Screwworms
                    USDA History Collection
                    Events at the Library
            Past Exhibits
    Browse Collections
    Browse Items
    Disclaimer
    Using Special Collections
    External Resources Popcorn: Ingrained in America's Agricultural History Introduction Everyone seems to love popcorn. It has become a mainstay at movie theaters, sporting events, amusement parks, and nearly everywhere else people gather. Although Americans are now such avid consumers of popcorn, and its agricultural history is long, its commercial history is comparatively short. Popcorn was not mentioned in early farm papers and seed trade catalogs until around 1880, but once the American public discovered it, popcorn's popularity quickly grew.Nearly all of the world's popcorn production is in the United States, with 25 states growing the crop. Over one fourth of the national production is in Nebraska, and Indiana produces only slightly less. Other major popcorn-producing states are Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri. Related Links ARS USDA Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act PageAgricultural Marketing Service, United States Department of Agriculture page explaining the history and major provisions of the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act [7 U.S. C. 7481-7491], which was signed into law on April 4, 1996.Popcorn BoardThe Popcorn Board works to expand the popcorn market through special promotions, research, and consumer education focusing on the qualities and economic importance of popcorn.The Maize PageHosted by the Iowa State University Agronomy Department, the Maize Page provides maize resources for students, producers, and specialists.National Corn Growers AssociationInformation relating to corn and popcorn is available here.
 Exhibit Navigation
    Early History                Europeans Meet Popcorn                Popcorn Explosion                From the Field to the Table                How does popcorn pop?                Bibliography
 Government Links
            Policies and Links
              Plain Writing
              FOIA
              Accessibility Statement
              Privacy Policy
              Non-Discrimination Statement
              Civil Rights Policy 
              Information Quality
              National Agricultural Library
              Agricultural Research Service
              USDA.gov
              USA.gov
              WhiteHouse.govSign up for ARS News updates
              Your email address