Wisconsin Ag Coalition celebrates legislative action on SB 247

News Release

Contact: Jason Mugnaini
Wisconsin Farm Bureau
Executive Director of Governmental Relations
608.828.5713

June 15, 2023                                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wisconsin Ag Coalition celebrates
legislative action on SB 247

MADISON – The Wisconsin Ag Coalition applauds the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate after both voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 247 yesterday. The bill, authored by Senators Marklein (R-Spring Green), Tomczyk (R-Mosinee) and Ballweg (R-Markesan), and Representatives Tranel (R-Cuba City) and VanderMeer (R-Tomah), creates an Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) to provide grants for local governments to repair and rebuild crumbling roads and bridges that create problems for farmers.

The Ag Coalition thanks local government partners, other coalition members and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for their support to move this important initiative.

Wisconsin agriculture has been significantly impacted by supply chain issues in recent years, and poor rural road conditions place additional strain on the food supply chain. Consumers experience the effects of these challenges firsthand as they encounter rising prices and limited availability of food products in local grocery stores.

The Wisconsin Ag Coalition, a group of organizations representing agricultural interests in the state, praises the legislative action on this issue as a vital step towards revitalizing the agricultural economy.

The bill now goes to Governor Tony Evers’ desk for his signature.

The Wisconsin Ag Coalition includes: AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Bayer, Cooperative Network, Compeer Financial, CropLife America, Dairy Business Association, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Growmark, Insight FS, Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors, Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants, Wisconsin Biomass Energy Coalition, Wisconsin Biofuels Association, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Hemp Alliance, Wisconsin Horse Council, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.

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The following quotes can be attributed to their respective organizations and representatives:

“Improvement to agricultural infrastructure are long overdue here in Wisconsin. This historic funding of $150 million will start to modernize rural infrastructure by directing grant funds to the roads supporting our global supply chain. Thank you to Senators Marklein, Tomczyk and Ballweg, and Representatives Tranel and VanderMeer for authoring this important legislation and to the members of the Wisconsin legislature for your support of Wisconsin agriculture.” - Kevin Krentz, President of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

“Wisconsin farmers are grateful to the Wisconsin State Legislature for this historic investment in rural infrastructure. Rural roads are the backbone of our agricultural economy.” - Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association

“Getting our products safely and efficiently from our growers’ farms to processing and consumers is a critical part of Wisconsin’s agricultural economy. This investment in rural Wisconsin will provide essential funding to maintain our state food supply chain.” - Tom Lochner, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association

"Rural road improvements are essential for the stability and strength of Wisconsin's dairy processing businesses and the entire food supply chain - from farm to table. Our deepest thanks go to Sen. Marklein, Rep. Tranel, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and from every part of the state who worked to bring this bill to the Governor's desk." - Rebekah Sweeney, Senior Director of Programs & Policy for the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association

“Wisconsin’s economic health and stability is dependent on the ability for businesses like Foremost Farms to serve and create value for farm families. I’m pleased our government officials recognized the need to provide the infrastructure to ensure continued access to them.” - Greg Schlafer, President & CEO, Foremost Farms USA

“Rural roads are an essential part of the modern transportation system agriculture relies on to move products from, and to the farm. Cooperative Network supports investing in this vital part of Wisconsin’s infrastructure.” – Dan Smith, President & CEO, Cooperative Network

“This marks a massive boost to our state’s agricultural infrastructure. Milk is a perishable product and needs to move every day. Our agricultural roads are not just a convenience but the lifeblood of our local communities and family farms. We are proud of Rep. Tranel, Sen. Marklein and others for recognizing the impact this program can have and offer our most sincere thanks. This marks an important step into long-term investments for our state’s ag and rural roads.” - Lee Kinnard, President, Dairy Business Association