Madison, Wisconsin — A bill aimed at promoting agricultural exports in Wisconsin is crucial to the state’s dairy community today, said the Dairy Business Association (DBA), which unanimously passed the bill. I praised the approved Senator.

Senate Bill 325, passed by a 32-0 vote on Wednesday, promises $ 5 million over five years to increase exports of dairy, meat and other agricultural products by 25%.

“This investment will help Wisconsin not only stay competitive, but also become a leader in a growing global market,” said Amy Penterman, president of DBA, a dairy farm in northwestern Wisconsin. “The dairy products produced here in Dailyland, USA are unrivaled. We sell more of them by improving existing trade relations and connecting with new international partners. You need to seize the opportunity to do it. “

Invoice Written by Republican Senator Joan Ballweg and Republican Rep. Tony Kurtz.

“We thank Senator Ballweg and Kurtz for clearly understanding the importance of exports to keep the dairy community strong,” said Penterman.

Governor Tony Evers proposed a similar export program in the previous session and in the 2021-23 budget.

According to the state, Wisconsin exported $ 3.37 billion in agricultural products and food to 145 countries in 2020. This includes $ 263 million in the dairy, egg and honey categories. Agricultural Trade and Consumer Protection Bureau (DATCP).

Dairy products contribute $ 45.6 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy, nearly half of the state’s agricultural revenues and 16% of the state’s total. University of Wisconsin-Madison Study show.

DATCP’s International Center for Agribusiness Marketing will lead the export initiative in collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

The program will receive $ 1 million annually until 2026. Half will be allocated to increase dairy exports, 25% to meat, chicken and fish exports and 25% to crops.

The bill will move next to Congress and, if approved, to Evers.