Madison… Central Wisconsin Republicans joined with Assembly Republicans from across Wisconsin to discuss a package of agriculture bills that were announced during press conferences held throughout the state. Representative Pat Snyder (R-Schofield), Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield), and Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) were joined by Will Hsu, President of Hsu Ginseng Enterprises, Inc. to discuss the package.
“Family farms are the heart and soul of our state, making up a huge part of our state’s economy,” Rep. Spiros said. “Representing a rural area, I’ve heard from constituents about the struggles farmers are going through, and I think we owe it to them to help out where we can.”
The legislators discussed the contents of seven bills, three of which will provide for more UW System research on Agriculture.
“I’m excited that my colleagues and I have made progress on legislation regarding agriculture in Wisconsin, and particularly the UW research station located in Hancock, Waushara County,” Rep. Krug said. “These research positions are very important to my constituents and to all Wisconsinites.”
Additionally, the package provides tax cuts for farmers; increases Dairy Processing Plant Grants; and creates an Export Ag Program at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, focused on expanding export markets in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin is a leader in production of numerous agricultural products, like the ginseng produced here in Wausau,” Rep. Snyder added, “but that doesn’t mean our famers are immune to hardships. This package of bills aims to provide some relief through easing the financial burden on farmers, while providing some additional resources for farmers and for expanding our export markets”.
The bills will be heard in the Committee on Agriculture on Tuesday, February 11th.
