Wisconsin Ag Connection - Mary Burke Campaign Unveils Rural Wisconsin Agenda

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Mary Burke Campaign Unveils Rural Wisconsin Agenda
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/24/2014

The leading Democrat running for governor against Scott Walker this fall has released her plan to strengthen rural Wisconsin. Mary Burke, the former Trek Bicycle executive and presumed gubernatorial nominee, says her 'Invest in our Rural Communities' initiative includes a number of strategies that would support agriculture across the state.

"Wisconsin is home to thriving and vibrant rural communities, with valuable land and water resources, a proud agricultural heritage, and uniquely Wisconsin culture," Burke said. "Yet our rural citizens also face distinct challenges today--in terms of economic opportunity, as well as in securing the same level of access to world-class education and health care enjoyed by urban residents."

The loss of small family farms in the next generation is a serious concern, Burke feels. She says over the past five years, the state lost 9,000 farms, or about 11 percent of its total number of farming operations. And with the average age of Wisconsin's farm owner-operator being over 56 years of age, more needs to be done to provide opportunities for younger producers.

"Wisconsinites' ties to the land are personal. My reverence for Wisconsin's farmlands is passed down from my great-grandparents who worked the land, and it is a connection shared by so many Wisconsinites," she said. "Wisconsin ranks among the top 10 states for number of farms, but the total acreage devoted to farmland is shrinking."

Burke adds that agricultural industries are the foundation of the state's rural economy, but they are not the only economic opportunities.

"In addition to traditional agriculture and forest products, rural Wisconsin is also home to related industries like manufacturing and tourism and renewable energy generation such as wind power," she said.

Meanwhile, the education and health care professionals that serve rural communities also make up an increasing part of the employment base and economic output in rural Wisconsin, Burke stated. And upgrades to Wisconsin's high-speed broadband infrastructure is another priority for her campaign.

"My vision for Wisconsin is to grow and sustain vibrant rural economies that can attract and retain the hard-working and highly-skilled young people who represent our state's future," she concludes. "The rural industry clusters of the 21st century will build on regional strengths and new technologies to create benefits across interrelated businesses--from value-added food processing, for example, to innovative uses for forest products like woody biomass. In order to achieve this vision, we need leadership that understands the importance of reinvesting in strong rural communities to ensure that they offer the high quality of life and the kinds of opportunities that families seek in a place to put down roots."

Burke will face State Rep. Brett Hulsey during the August 12 primary. The winner of that race will challenge GOP Gov. Walker during the November general election.

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