Wisconsin agriculture is responding with support for the budget items announced by Gov. Tony Evers in his address Wednesday evening.
The Wisconsin Ag Coalition is one supporting faction for the guv’s biennial budget priorities for 2023-25, which includes several of the coalition’s initiatives. Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association members praised his proposed investments in dairy innovation, dairy exports, food security and rural infrastructure.
“Support for crucial agricultural supply chain initiatives is vital to the long-term success of one of our state’s most important economic engines,” says Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Executive Director Jason Mugnaini on behalf of the Wisconsin Ag Coalition. “The Wisconsin Ag Coalition is pleased to see several important agricultural budget initiatives included in the Governor’s budget proposal.”
Coalition priorities included in the budget proposal:
- Funding for agricultural producer-led groups that focus on pollution abatement activities through the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program (PLWPG).
- Additional funding to incentivize practices to protect natural resources. Including increasing funding for crop insurance premium rebates for cover crops and farmer-led nitrate optimization grants.
- The continuation of the Wisconsin Commodity Food Bank Purchasing program.
- Additional funding for critical animal disease outbreak prevention and traceability.
- Support for the Dairy Processor Grant program to match industry demand for innovation and development grants.
- Funding for county conservation staff which are critical to maintaining and implementing state conservation and agricultural programs.
- Support to increase exportation of agricultural products such as dairy, meat, crop, and other Wisconsin commodities through The Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports.
- Provide opportunities for the development of new cooperatives or the conversion of existing businesses to the cooperative model.
- Expansion of the Farmland Preservation Planning Grant Program.
- Funding for Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution program.
The Ag Coalition released its budget priorities in January.
“Over the coming days we will review additional initiatives impacting agriculture and look forward to working closely with state legislators as they deliberate on the 2023-25 Biennial State Budget,” says Mugnaini. “The Ag Coalition urges support for policies that promote success for Wisconsin farmers, agribusiness, and our state.”
WCMA echoes support for items in Evers’ budget proposal:
— $2 million for the WIAE, which boosts the state’s International Agribusiness Center, and funds industry-run grant programs, such as one by WCMA that gives export education and helps dairy processors engage in key international trade shows and marketing campaigns
Ryan Wucherer, the director of global sales and supply chain for MCT Dairies out of Green Bay says across the globe, demand for U.S. dairy products is up, and Wisconsin processors have the opportunity to boost their sales and give more value to dairy farmers if they export.
— $1.6 million in biennial funding for the Dairy Processor Grant program at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Paul Scharfman, president of Specialty Cheese Company in Reeseville, says targeted, small-dollar dairy processor grants help businesses innovate and modernize on an expedited time frame, and help Wisconsin maintain its leading role in the global industry.
— $30 million in state funding to the Food Security Initiative, started in 2020 to support food banks and pantries partnering with Wisconsin food processors; the program had previously been funded via the federal American Rescue Plan Act
Marieke Penterman, owner of Marieke Gouda in Thorp, says even though the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, the end to federal aid coupled with inflation has some Wisconsin families struggling. She adds investing in this initiative cares for those in need and keeps aid dollars in Wisconsin.
— $15.6 million for the Dairy Innovation Hub
“Investments in dairy research and industry education are essential, and the Dairy Innovation Hub is delivering world-class resources on both fronts,” says Mike Neu, WCMA policy committee chair, board member, and senior director of Business Development-Cheese Insights for Chr. Hansen out of Milwaukee.
Evers also called for major investments in rural infrastructure, including road and bridge improvements and broadband expansion, and to address critical workforce needs, including affordable childcare, affordable housing and accessible vocational training.