By Blake Jackson
Members of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) expressed appreciation for the recently unveiled Farm Bill framework by Senate Committee on Agriculture Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR).
They particularly welcomed the strong bipartisan backing for Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII), emphasizing its crucial role in bolstering the food supply chain and rural communities.
"We're grateful to Senator Boozman and Republicans on the Senate Agriculture Committee for their support of DBII funding in the next Farm Bill," stated Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA's Senior Director of Programs & Policy. "This demonstrates recognition of DBII's impact and the challenges faced by dairy farmers and processors."
The Senate's move follows the House Agriculture Committee's passage of its own Farm Bill on May 24, and the prior release of the Senate Democrats' Farm Bill framework on May 1.
The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), which WCMA administers in collaboration with the Center for Dairy Research, has been instrumental since its inception in the 2018 Farm Bill led by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), channeling $165 million in federal funding to support farmers and processors.
"As discussions continue on the Farm Bill, we urge lawmakers to consider a gradual increase in DBII funding over the next five years," Sweeney added. "Such investments promise long-term benefits for future generations."
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy