Madison… Senator Joan Ballweg’s (R-Markesan) county land conservation committee bill was signed into law today.
2023 Wisconsin Act 32 was signed by Governor Evers and makes updates to membership of county land conservation committees. This bill was widely supported by agricultural groups in Wisconsin.
“I am proud to have this bill signed into law today,” said Ballweg. “This ensures farmers maintain their voice on county land conservation committees. These committees play an important role in agriculture and local government.”
This legislation was necessary after a 2021 determination by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) that their members could not represent the FSA on any outside groups. Prior to the enactment of 2023 Wisconsin Act 32, state law required an FSA member to serve on county land conservation committees. This legislation replaces the requirement for an FSA member to serve on the committee to someone who is involved in “agricultural use”. Agricultural use is defined in statute as someone who keeps livestock, is involved in crop or forage production, nursery, sod or Christmas tree production, floriculture, aquaculture, fur farming, and forest management.
“I appreciate the agricultural community’s involvement in supporting this legislative fix,” Ballweg stated. “It’s vital for agricultural interests to continue being represented on these committees.”
