WI urges more funding for state meat inspection

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) played an active role in the recent National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Winter Policy Conference. Secretary Randy Romanski co-sponsored an action urging increased federal funding for state meat inspection programs, highlighting their importance for a healthy and robust meat supply.

“Wisconsin’s livestock farmers rely on the availability of state-inspected meat processing facilities, and in recent years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service has been providing states significantly less funding,” said Secretary Romanski.

Romanski, also serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export-Midwest), reiterated Wisconsin's commitment to expanding agricultural exports through the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports. He highlighted the value of leveraging NASDA and Food Export-Midwest resources to benefit Wisconsin farmers and businesses globally.

Workforce development in agriculture was another key topic. Romanski expressed concern about the need for a strong and reliable workforce, emphasizing efforts to inform young people about agricultural career opportunities and collaborate with industry partners on strengthening education and training programs.

The conference saw MASDA (Midwestern Association of State Departments of Agriculture) convene as well, with Romanski holding his Secretary/Treasurer position. Overall, the event provided a platform for Wisconsin to advocate for issues concerning its crucial agricultural sector and collaborate with other states on matters of national importance.

To learn more about NASDA, visit https://www.nasda.org/.

Photo Credit: usda