Bill aims to expand farm exports

Republicans and ag groups have rolled out legislation aimed at expanding the state’s farm exports by at least 25 percent in coming years.

State Rep. Tony Kurtz of Wonewoc and Sen. Joan Ballweg of Markesan in a press conference promoted the bill as a means to help raise ag prices and protect farmers by expanding and diversifying market demand.

“Now more than ever it is important that we do everything we can to ensure the vitality of these markets into the future,” Ballweg told reporters.

The bill would require the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to develop a plan to boost dairy, meat and crop values by at least 25 percent in the next five years. It would require DATCP to spend $5 million on the effort and request that the Joint Finance Committee allocate the agency funding for the program.

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