Contact: Scott Fitzgerald, (608)-266-5660
[Madison, WI] Today, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, along with several other Wisconsin State Legislators, held a conference call with Canadian officials to discuss the ongoing dairy crisis affecting dozens of Wisconsin farmers.
The following officials represented Canada on the call:
Frederic Seppey, Chief Agriculture Negotiator, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
John Cruickshank, Consul General, Canadian Consulate in Chicago
Scott McCook, Canadian Consulate in Chicago
Brad Wood, Agriculture Specialist, Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald released the following statement:
“I am disappointed that the representatives of the Canadian government have not demonstrated the sense of urgency that we in Wisconsin feel about the crisis impacting so many of our local dairy farms. We know how critical this situation is for a huge number of Wisconsin families and we will continue to press the Canadian representatives until we receive a satisfactory explanation for this shift in their trade policy.
While I am discouraged that this morning’s call did not result in a solution to this crisis, I am encouraged that we have initiated an open dialogue, which will be crucial as we work to discover any avenue available to us to assist these farmers. I also want to renew my call for all those affected to reach out to my office and to the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Farm Center for assistance.”
DATCP is currently offering a number of resources for those affected by this situation, including those who have lost a processor. You can get in touch with the Farm Center through the toll-free line at 1-800-942-2474.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) represent the 13th Senate District, which covers portions of Dodge, Jefferson, Waukesha, Washington, Dane, and Columbia counties.
