Wisco
Far
Governmental Relations
A Vision for Agriculture.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has been working tirelessly on behalf of Wisconsin’s farm families, providing key representation on a variety of state and federal issues. The organization’s true strength is the grassroots network of informed and politically active members who contact their legislators on important issues, attend Ag Day at the Capitol in Madison, and travel on Farm Bureau sponsored trips to our nation’s capital.
In Madison
In Washington D.C.
State Budget
Farm Bill and Dairy Reform
The state legislature finalized the 2011-13 biennial budget in June. The final budget featured several key provisions aligning with Farm Bureau policy. Notably, Wisconsin’s leaders passed the first balanced budget in recent years without tax increases and segregated fund raids. While state government will live within its means, several budget items critical for Wisconsin farmers were preserved, including the addition of five state-funded meat inspectors, with matching funding for five more inspectors coming from the federal level. The state’s non-point source pollution programs (NR 151 and ATCP 50) were funded, which means cost-sharing will be available to farmers who need to implement nutrient management changes on their farms. Discovery Farms, a UW-Extension program conducting environmental research, was also funded in the budget. Core functions of Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) were preserved. The budget also maintained use-value assessment of farmland, a critical element in ensuring the viability of Wisconsin agriculture.
Legislation
The Wisconsin Legislature enacted policies extending the Dairy and Livestock Tax Credit through 2017. These income tax credits benefit farmers who complete expansion and modernization projects of dairy and livestock facilities. The legislation was otherwise set to expire at the end of 2011. Another key piece of legislation passed this session provides state income tax deductions for contributions made to health savings accounts (HSAs). The law provides for a state income tax credit calculated on 6.5% of the total amount of HSA contributions reported on a federal tax return. This act will result in lower healthcare costs for Wisconsinites making HSA contributions, as well as stimulate the economy by freeing up these dollars for spending elsewhere.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau continues to monitor several pieces of federal legislation important to Wisconsin farmers. A legislative priority that will come into focus over the next year will be the 2012 Farm Bill. A different political atmosphere and public attitude toward farm subsidies could lead to a bill that looks substantially different from the 2008 edition. Wisconsin Farm Bureau will continue to advocate for policies that benefit agriculture, especially crop insurance based on producer revenue. Of course, as the Dairy State, we will continue to be a leader in dairy policy reform issues. We support movement to a margin-protection safety net that factors in cost of production as well as milk price when determining if payments are needed by farmers.
Promoting Trade
Farm Bureau continues to work toward creating trade agreements that open up U.S. commodities to global markets. Realizing the huge boost that new exports bring to Wisconsin agriculture, we continue to advocate for bilateral trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea and Panama.
Weighing in on Regulations
Wisconsin Farm Bureau is also standing up for farmers on key regulatory issues impacting agriculture. We have submitted comments to federal agencies supporting proposed delisting of the gray wolf, a move that would allow state and local authorities to deal with problem wolves that plague farmers. Wisconsin Farm Bureau also weighed in on a series of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposals to reclassify farm implements as commercial motor vehicles, an unnecessary regulatory move that could endanger the ability of Wisconsin farmers to operate their business and move product to market.
A Voice for Farmers. A Vision for Agriculture. august | september 2011
www.wfbf.com
23