New Wisconsin ag exports program clears hurdle

DBA’s Zuleger among those testifying
in favor at Joint Finance Committee hearing

By DBA

A program aimed at boosting Wisconsin agricultural exports — an effort heavily advocated for by the Dairy Business Association  took a critical step forward today.

The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee unanimously approved the funding structure for the program. If approved by the full Legislature, possibly as early as next week, the state would commit $5 million over five years toward efforts to increase the export of dairy, meat and other agricultural products by 25 percent.

The bill is authored by Sen. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, and Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc.

During related legislative action over the summer, DBA President Amy Penterman praised the proposed program.

“This investment will help Wisconsin to not only remain competitive but to be a leader in a growing global marketplace,” Penterman said. “The dairy products produced here in America’s Dairyland are second to none. We need to seize on opportunities to sell more of them by improving existing trade relationships and connecting with new international partners.”

Chad Zuleger, DBA’s associate director of government affairs, testified at a hearing today before the committee’s vote. Here are his comments to lawmakers:

Good morning. Thank you, Co-Chairs Marklein and Born and, committee members for the opportunity to speak in favor of Assembly Bill 314.

My name is Chad Zuleger. I am the associate director of government affairs representing the Dairy Business Association. Our membership includes dairy farmers, processors and a variety of affiliated businesses that help ensure farmers are successful in our state and that the products we produce remain delicious, nutritious, available, and desired around the world.

We appreciate the leadership of Representative Kurtz and Senator Ballweg in authoring this legislation, the support of cosponsors and, the efforts of the Department and stakeholders to keep the proposal moving forward.

Assembly Bill 314 establishes an agricultural exports program at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and requires collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to achieve the core objective of 25 percent increase in the export of milk and dairy products; meat, fish and poultry; and crop and crop products by 2025.

With accompanying amendments, AB 314 expands upon previous proposals to establish a dairy-only export program. As a revenue-generator for our state, agriculture represents $104 billion annually. We welcome and applaud the inclusion of all agricultural commodities. Strengthening our existing export partnerships, fostering new relationships with emerging markets and, capitalizing on opportunities - worldwide - to promote agricultural products proudly from Wisconsin, is fundamental to our state’s economic success.

The goal to increase the value of Wisconsin's milk and dairy product exports by at least 25 percent by 2025 is certainly lofty. Within the dairy space however, there is reason to be optimistic. For instance, high demand in the specialty cheese market at home but, particularly abroad, creates great opportunity for Wisconsin dairy processors.

The United States exports just 5 percent of its cheese. Wisconsin farmers and processors stand ready to increase that. Exports were a key feature of the Dairy Task Force 2.0 recommendations in 2019 and, AB 314 touches on three separate recommendations from that final report, citing the need for a renewed focus on increasing dairy exports.

Assembly Bill 314 establishes measurable objectives, promotes collaboration, and provides for timely reporting and oversight. DBA supports AB 314 and urges this committee to approve it for consideration by the full legislature.

Again, thank you, co-chairs and committee members, for your time today.