Governor Evers Releases Ag Initiatives

Monday, February 8th, 2021 -- 10:01 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) Governor Tony Evers announced nearly two dozen initiatives that he hopes to accomplish over the next two years in an effort to help spur the agricultural industry in Wisconsin.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, the governor's biennial budget proposal allocates $43 million in funding for programs relating to expanding local and international market opportunities; bolstering local meat processing; promoting agricultural innovation and farmer-led conservation; and supporting farmers' mental health and wellbeing.

Specifically, the budget calls for the creation of an all-new Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports, which would boost export opportunities for state products, while adding more funding for the Dairy Processor Grant Program by $1.2 million.

Another $20 million would be allocated to help connect Wisconsin food banks and pantries with producers.  For the meat sector, Evers would like to establish a new grant program to help those companies expand and innovate.

He also wants to hire additional state food inspectors as many existing local processors continue to grow.  In the area of conservation, he wants to establish a Value-Added Agricultural Grant Program, which would provide education and technical assistance related to producing value-added agricultural products.

Additional dollars would be designated for the producer-led watershed grant program, conservation grant program, and the hiring of additional University Extension specialists and county agents.

And Evers is asking the legislature to begin a new Regional Farmer Mental Health Program to help increase access to mental health support services.  The governor plans to submit his full two-year budget plan to the Legislature on February 16.

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