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Wisconsin’s Governor proposes $43-million ag budget

Wisconsin’s Governor has proposed a biennial budget that includes more than 43-million dollars targeted at the agriculture industry.

Tony Evers says the package he offers builds on last year’s efforts and the report from his Blue-Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity.  As Evers hinted last month in a call with ag media, the budget includes a plan to expand local meat processing.  The Governor’s budget also includes adding more UW Extension county agents, funding for farmer-led conservation groups, agricultural innovation, and farmer mental health initiatives.

Twenty million, or nearly half of the Governor’s proposal would be targeted at food security initiatives, connecting farmers to food banks and pantries.  Farm-to-school, farm-to-fork, small farm diversity grants, and more money for the Dairy Processor Grant program are also a part of the Governor’s budget plan. It also includes additional export program support.

So far, Governor Evers’ budget is getting praise from the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and Wisconsin Farmers Union.