Governor Evers announced a list of initiatives he wants to tackle for agriculture over the next two years. The goal is to help the ag industry in Wisconsin with $43 million that’ll be put into different sections of the industry. Evers wants to place money in funding programs to expand the market, help meat processors, farmer conservation, mental health issues, and more.
“Wisconsin farmers have carried and supported our state economy for generations,” Evers said.
Here’s a rundown of what the budget plan has in store.
Major Funding
- Creation of the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports, which would help give more export opportunities to products from Wisconsin.
- An additional $1.2 million of funding for the Dairy Processor Grant Program.
- $20 million to help connect food banks in the state with farmers.
Meat Industry
- A new grant program to help companies grow.
- He plans to hire more state food inspectors.
Conservation
- Put together a Value-Added Agricultural Grant Program, which would help with education and tech assistance for farmers when it comes to value-added products.
- Evers wants to put some money towards the watershed grant program.
- Money for the conservation grant program.
- Also, money for hiring more University Extension specialists, including county agents.
Mental Health
- He wants to start a Regional Farmer Mental Health Program.
The full budget plan is set to be submitted on February 16th.
