Wisconsin dairy farmers excited about new farm export plan | Wisconsin

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin cheese and milk producers are excited that the state government is stepping in to ship their products around the world.

The State Assembly approved on Tuesday Assembly Bill 314 which will spend $ 5 million over the next five years to increase Wisconsin’s agricultural exports by 25%. Half of this money is reserved for dairy products only.

Dairy Business Association president Amy Penterman said Wisconsin exports only about 3% of its $ 105 billion in agricultural products each year. Raising that figure to 25%, she said, will be a big economic boon.

“This is an investment not only in our dairy farmers and processors, but also in our rural communities,” said Penterman.

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association is very interested in increasing exports.

The cheese is a growing market, and WCMA executive director John Umhoefer said Wisconsin cheese makers are ready to meet demand.

“This targeted investment will provide dairy processors with the support they need to navigate the logistics of export efforts and grow their global customer base, thereby creating a stronger and more stable dairy industry,” said Umhoefer.

Wisconsin is the second largest producer of milk in the United States. Only California produces more.

The Dairy Business Association says the state’s dairy industry is worth $ 45.6 billion a year, making it 7% of Wisconsin’s total economy.

Of Wisconsin’s $ 3.3 billion in agricultural exports, dairy products, eggs, and honey account for just $ 263 million.

The export plan was passed unanimously in the Assembly, it is now heading for a vote in the Wisconsin Senate, and then on Governor Evers’ desk.