Gov. Evers announces additional $50 million to support Wisconsin farmers
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced an additional $50 million in direct payments to support the state's agricultural producers through a new round of the Wisconsin Farm Support Program on Wednesday, Aug. 18.
The program is an additional installment of the Gov. Evers' Wisconsin Farm Support Program announced in 2020. Last year, Gov. Evers distributed $50 million in direct aid to farmers through the program.
Officials say in total, the governor has earmarked more than $100 million from funding the state received from the federal government to support Wisconsin's farmers and agricultural industries.
“There’s no question Wisconsin farmers are some of the strongest, most resilient folks in the state, but the last year brought on unique and unprecedented challenges—challenges many of them are still grappling with,” said Gov. Evers. “They’ve always had our back, and now, we need to have theirs. I’m glad to be providing another round of direct aid to farmers to support their recovery and strengthen one of our state’s most important industries.”
Officials say farmers faced low commodity prices in recent years with the coronavirus pandemic creating new challenges. Wisconsin's agriculture industry annually contributes nearly $105 billion to the state's economy and provides more than 435,000 jobs, according to a news release.
“Gov. Evers has prioritized our producers during a challenging time,” said Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary-designee Randy Romanski. “These timely payments will make a real difference for our farmers, and they are unrestricted, so recipients across Wisconsin can use the money where it is needed most or make up for losses.”
Under the program, farmers can get up to $3,500.
"The benefit of the programs is the flexibility it's going to get the dollars in the hands of farmers and use it to the best see fit to address the challenges that continue," Romanski said.