A cornerstone of these investments is a significant increase in funding for the Dairy Processor Grant Program, which will now receive $1.2 million over the biennium. This crucial program provides vital support to small and medium-sized dairy processors, enabling them to undertake essential facility modernization projects and invest in specialized employee training. Such targeted funding is key to maintaining competitiveness and driving efficiency within the diverse dairy sector.

Beyond direct industry support, the budget also addresses pressing social needs. It allocates $10 million to the Food Security Initiative and an additional $3 million to the Tribal Elder Food Security program. These funds are specifically earmarked to empower local hunger relief organizations to purchase high-quality Wisconsin dairy products, thereby tackling food insecurity while simultaneously creating demand and supporting local dairy farmers and processors.

Infrastructure and trade also receive substantial boosts. The budget provides a robust $150 million for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP), essential for ensuring the smooth transportation of milk and dairy products from farm to processor and market. Furthermore, $2 million is allocated to the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE), a program that has already proven highly effective in significantly boosting the state’s dairy exports on the global stage, enhancing dairy economics.