Legislation Increasing Wisconsin's Ag Exports Heading to Governor Evers

Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 -- 9:03 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -Legislation that aims to increase Wisconsin agricultural exports is heading to the governor's desk.

On Tuesday, Senate Bill 325/Assembly Bill 314, authored by Sen. Joan Ballweg of Markesan and Rep. Tony Kurtz from Wonewoc, cleared the State Senate by a unanimously vote.

The measure creates a new five-year initiative led by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to increase the export of the state's dairy, meat and other agricultural products by 25 percent.

The bill specifies that $2.5 million, or half the total funds appropriated, will be used to increase the export sales of milk, cheese, yogurt, whey, and other dairy products.

Dairy Business Association President Amy Penterman said in a statement that the move not only helps farmers and processors, but rural communities as well. "This new collaborative approach to agricultural exports is forward-thinking and creates opportunities," Penterman said.

"It's great to see the widespread support for this ambitious program." Last year, Wisconsin exported $3.37 billion worth of agricultural and food products to 145 countries. Gov. Tony Evers is expected to sign the bill into law.

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