Wisconsin Ag Connection - Doyle Launches Next Generation Agriculture Plan

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Doyle Launches Next Generation Agriculture Plan
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 11/30/2007

The State of Wisconsin has noticed what a difference the agricultural industry makes in the economy during a year of good prices--and it wants to takes steps to keep that momentum going. On Thursday, Governor Jim Doyle announced the 'Next Generation Agriculture' Plan in Madison, which he calls a strategic investment to prepare Wisconsin farms for the future. During the annual meeting of the Dairy Business Association of Wisconsin, Doyle explained that these new initiatives, totaling more than $33 million, will move the dairy and agriculture industry forward by providing more resources to modernize and innovate, capture new markets and seize new green opportunities.

"From our farms and factories, to our world-class universities and cutting-edge businesses, Wisconsin is well-positioned to seize opportunities to flourish in the new economy," Doyle said. "The next generation of agriculture must match the needs of a competitive global market with efficiency, stewardship and creativity. Today we will renew our commitment to give dairy and agricultural producers more tools to modernize plants, enter international markets, and grow the renewable technologies of the future."

Specifically, the Next Generation Agriculture Plan includes the following elements:

** Nutrient Management Program - To complement industry efforts, the state will provide farmers with $13 million in funding for the most comprehensive nutrient management system of its kind. The advisory system will help farmer reduce runoff pollution, explore new ways to manage wastewater, and make better and safer working conditions.

** Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative - This initiative will ensure Wisconsin farmers can grow while practicing stewardship and intelligent land management. The state will provide $800,000 to help Wisconsin farmers manage their resources, becoming more efficient producers and better stewards of the land.

** Dairy Plant Investment Tax Credits - Wisconsin will provide $1.3 million in new tax credits for dairy farms to buy much-needed equipment and implement new technologies to become more efficient and enhance quality. Credits are available for 10 percent of modernization or expansion costs, with up to $200,000 per facility.

** Meat Modernization Credits - This new initiative will provide up to $1 million in tax credits to modernize meat processing plants through new investment and technical assistance. The credits will help more plants become efficient and productive, strengthen partnerships between meat processors and technical colleges, and move plants toward leaner manufacturing processes.

** Cheese Cooperatives Credits - These new credits worth $1.3 million will allow cheese cooperatives to work together to invest in new cheese plants and streamline their businesses.

** Whey Initiative - Totaling up to $ 10 million in support, the whey initiative will help plants invest in the growing international market for whey to generate new revenues, helping plants across the state increase their whey capacity. Since 2006, whey exports have increased from $13 million to $37 million, an increase of 170 percent.

Meanwhile, Doyle also announced the signing of the Green Tier Charter agreement, which will promote green dairy processes and serve as a model for responsible management, collaboration and development. Over the next ten years, Wisconsin will invest $150 million to promote and produce renewable energy in Wisconsin.

Doyle says dairy and agriculture producers will play a major role in this charge.

"Wisconsin has far more anaerobic digesters than any other state, with 22 anaerobic digesters capable of generating power for 7,500 homes," he said.

Earlier this month, Governor Doyle joined with other Midwest governors and a Canadian premier to sign historic energy agreements. These agreements will help our nation achieve energy independence, reduce the pollution that causes global warming, and create jobs in Wisconsin farms and across the state.

Other Wisconsin Headlines