Wisconsin legislators introduced LRB-3414, a bill to establish a $30 million Agricultural Purchase Program within the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
This legislation aims to create a buffer for Wisconsin farmers against economic losses from trade disruptions. The authors, Sen. Brad Pfaff and Rep. Jenna Jacobson, say it also aims to bolster food security for vulnerable families across the state.
“At a time when Wisconsin’s farmers and their families are facing unprecedented economic uncertainty, our state cannot afford to stick its head in the sand and pretend that it’s business as usual for our $116 billion agricultural industry,” says Pfaff.
The APP would offer grants to local organizations and food distributors, such as food pantries. It enables them to purchase food grown or made in Wisconsin. This program serves a dual purpose: provide demand for local food producers and reduce costs for Wisconsin families.
This community support is especially vital given recent federal actions, according to the authors’ news release on the bill. The lawmakers’ offices say the U.S. House Budget Reconciliation bill may put 90,000 Wisconsinites at risk of losing access to federal food assistance.
“We must act now to provide critical support to Wisconsin’s essential agricultural sector and ensure food security for our most vulnerable families,” says Jacobson.
