MADISON- Wisconsin farm and agribusiness groups jointly issued the following statement following Governor Tony Evers’ budget address delivered this evening:
“Wisconsin agriculture generates $104.8 billion dollars toward our state’s economy. Support for crucial agricultural supply chain initiatives is vital to the long-term success of one of our state’s most important economic engines. The Wisconsin Ag Coalition is pleased to see several important agricultural budget initiatives included in the Governor’s budget proposal,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Executive Director Jason Mugnaini on behalf of the Wisconsin Ag Coalition.
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,” added Mugnaini. “The Ag Coalition urges support for policies that promote success for Wisconsin farmers, agribusiness, and our state.”
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization, representing farms of every size, commodity and management style.
