The state's largest farm organization is expressing its support of the recent votes taken by the Joint Committee on Finance on issues that impacting agriculture in the Badger State. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau issued a statement on Friday thanking lawmakers for passing several key provisions that impact farmers and rural residents.
Specifically, the organization listed a number of items in the budget proposal, including the following:
Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection
- $2 million in funding for DATCP producer-led watershed grants
- $5 million over five years for promotion of agricultural exports program
- $400,000 in funding for a newly created meat processor grant program
- Funding and position authorization for four additional state meat inspectors
- $400,000 in funding for dairy processor grants
- Farmer mental health funding of $100,000 per year
- Maintain funding for agriculture non-point program
Department of Transportation
- Two percent increase in general transportation aids
- $100 million in Local Roads Improvement Program funding for local government projects
University of Wisconsin System
- Nearly $10 million to renovate and add space to the Barron Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
- $2 million to fund UW state agriculture specialist positions
- Maintain funding for Dairy Innovation Hub at $7.8 million each year
Department of Natural Resources
- $2 million in funding for well compensation and abandonment grants
- Maintain funding for agriculture non-point program
Public Service Commission
-$129 million for broadband expansion grants
Categories: Wisconsin, Business