Several Wisconsin Farm Organizations Call Governor's Climate Change Report a Step in the Right Direction

Friday, December 18th, 2020 -- 9:02 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Several Wisconsin farm organizations are calling last week's report on Gov. Tony Evers' Task Force on Climate Change a step in the right direction and expressed their gratitude that agriculture continues to be part of the discussion.

The summary included dozens of recommendations on ways to adapt to and reduce the effects of climate change across nine focus areas, with agriculture being among them.  Specifically, the report calls for policy changes and executive actions among state agencies, according to State Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski.

"DATCP is committed to serving as a resource to Wisconsin's vibrant, diverse agriculture industry," Romanski said. "I appreciate Governor Evers' and Lieutenant Governor Barnes' recognition of the industry's role in developing and implementing creative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change."

Wisconsin Farm Bureau board member Robert Nigh added that farmers are proud of their continuing efforts to use climate-smart practices including involvement in Producer-led Watershed Groups, planting cover crops and utilizing no-till and reduced tillage of fields.

"We have been at the forefront of flood and erosion control, protection and preservation of water quality and other innovations that protect the environment," Nigh said. "Farmers are pleased to be at the table during the discussions surrounding climate change and look forward to making a positive impact through climate-smart practices."

Doug Rebout of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association said it was an honor to help give Wisconsin agriculture a voice during this important discussion. And Bill Hogseth, Watershed and Organizing Coordinator with the Wisconsin Farmers Union, said climate mitigation and rural prosperity are linked and farmers recognize the role of sustainable practices in mitigating climate change.

Among other things, the report's recommends called for funding to promote more sustainable farming practices, connecting dots between Wisconsin foods and Wisconsin consumers, and protecting valuable food resources.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.