Madison… Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) and Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) authored supplemental legislation to their initial comprehensive agriculture exports legislation, which was signed into law earlier this year as 2021 Wisconsin Act 92. Signed into law today, this legislation, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 207, directs unused funding within the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Production to the Wisconsin Initiative for Agriculture Exports (WIAE) to help promote Wisconsin dairy exports.

“Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland and with this funding, will be able to take steps toward one of the key objectives of the WIAE, increasing the export of milk and dairy products by 25% by 2026,” said Ballweg. “This legislation helps us execute the intent of our original legislation and is a win for our dairy industry.”

The comprehensive agriculture and agribusiness export initiative directs the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, in partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, to achieve certain export initiatives by June 30, 2026. The program includes an evaluation of its effectiveness to be completed by the Legislative Audit Bureau no later than December 31, 2026 to ensure real outcomes for Wisconsin’s farm economy.

“Thank you to the host of today’s bill signing, Sartori Cheese, and to our partners, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Dairy Business Association, for your help and support on this important piece of legislation,” said Ballweg.

To reach Sen. Ballweg with questions or comments please call (608) 266-0751 or email Sen.Ballweg@legis.wi.gov. The 14th Senate District is located in Central Wisconsin, and is composed of parts of Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Outagamie, Sauk, Waupaca, and Waushara counties.

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