Press Release
A bill creating a comprehensive agricultural export program which charges the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to increase the value of Wisconsin’s dairy, meat and crop exports was recently passed by the State Senate. It is authored by State Sen. Joan Ballweg.
It also requires reports to the legislature on the progress of the program to ensure it is providing real results.
“Agriculture is the second largest industry in our state, and we are in the top 10 states for agriculture production, yet we only rank 13th for our food, forestry and agricultural exports,” said Ballweg. “I am proud to see this bill, which will create lasting impacts for our agriculture industry, take this next step toward being signed into law.”
The agriculture exports program was introduced with Rep. Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and has the support of various agriculture groups including the Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association, Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association and Dairy Business Association.
A second Ballweg bill recently passed updates the way municipalities collect room tax and was introduced in effort to make it easier for the municipalities to know how much they are due and give them the needed tools to collect it. This bill brings parity in room tax collection between the traditional hotel lodging industry and lodging marketplaces.