A number of state farm organizations have released statements after Gov. Tony Evers announced how his 2021-23 biennial budget proposal would fund various agricultural programs on Friday.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Kevin Krentz said his group was pleased to see support for market expansion, meat processing, farmer-led conservation efforts, applied agricultural research and farmer mental health and wellbeing.
"We are pleased to see Gov. Evers include many agricultural priorities in his budget proposal," Krentz said. "This is a first-step in a multi-step process and we look forward to working with state legislators as they deliberate on the budget."
Darin Von Ruden of the Wisconsin Farmers Union added praise, saying the package of initiatives aim to boost market opportunities, infrastructure and innovation across rural Wisconsin.
"Our rural places and family farms have been in decline for decades and are in dire need of investment," Von Ruden said. "This budget demonstrates a commitment to agriculture and reassures rural Wisconsinites that their voices are being heard and their communities matter to the State of Wisconsin."
Being that every dairy farmer is also a beef producer, Dairy Business Association President Amy Penterman said her group was glad to see priorities given to the local meat processing industry. DBA board members also liked the idea of adding $2 million to hire more University of Wisconsin-Extension specialists and county agents
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association applauded Evers' plans to address the market volatility and food insecurity triggered by the pandemic.
And the Wisconsin Conservation Voters said in a release that the proposal's request for additional funding for county conservation staff is a crucial resource for local creation and implementation of conservation practices.
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy