The following statement can be attributed to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Krentz:
“Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation applauds the unanimous votes from the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance members on funding for two important items: agricultural exports and research.
These are two important areas for farmers. We appreciate the leadership from co-chairs Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) in making these a priority and the bi-partisan support.
Exports are critically important to agriculture, and we are extremely pleased with the approval to release $558,400 of the already committed $5 million to Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections’ newly created Initiative for Agricultural Exports. By providing more opportunities for product innovation and new market access, we also provide opportunities for new and existing market development. Wisconsin will remain a leader in agricultural product export development and enhancement with this additional funding.
UW-Extension now secures funding for 11 additional positions which includes eight outreach specialists in specific focus areas and three additional extension faculty specialist positions at UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. These positions will support our farmers through outreach, research and connection between research and on-farm applied practices.
As we continue to work through this legislative session, we sincerely appreciate the attention to agriculture and keeping our state’s hardworking farmers front of mind.”
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