Wisconsin agriculture gets support in Senate funding bill

By Blake Jackson

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, has secured significant support for Wisconsin farmers and rural communities through bipartisan agriculture funding legislation recently passed unanimously by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The legislation includes several key initiatives aimed at bolstering Wisconsin's agricultural sector and supporting rural development.

Senator Baldwin's efforts in the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill focus on enhancing resources for dairy businesses, improving farming efficiencies, addressing farmers' mental health, and safeguarding American farmland from foreign investment. The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration.

“Wisconsin’s farmers and ranchers work hard every day to put our state on the map with world-class products and move our Made in Wisconsin economy forward. I’m proud to have their backs, creating and championing programs that help boost businesses’ bottom lines and keep Wisconsin families safe and healthy,” said Senator Baldwin.

Rebekah Sweeney, Senior Director of Programs and Policy at the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, praised Senator Baldwin's advocacy: “Senator Baldwin again today demonstrated her steadfast commitment to dairy farmers and processors and her effectiveness as a lawmaker, securing support for education, research, and direct-to-business grants via the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative.”

Senator Baldwin also championed the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, which facilitates FDA approval for new feed additives to enhance efficiency in meat and dairy production.

This legislation aims to help American farmers compete globally while reducing byproducts.

Despite fiscal constraints, Senator Baldwin maintained funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) at $10 million. FRSAN provides crucial mental health resources for farmers, connecting them with stress assistance programs and suicide prevention training.

Furthermore, Senator Baldwin advocated for transparency in foreign ownership of American farmland through provisions like those in the Farmland Security Act.

The bill directs USDA to improve reporting on foreign ownership and enforce penalties for non-compliance.

Senator Baldwin's commitment also extends to environmental conservation, as evidenced by her support for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), securing $20 million to help farmers implement managed grazing practices that contribute to carbon sequestration.

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