WCMA Applauds Joint Finance Committee Action to Boost Wisconsin Dairy Businesses
Wisconsin dairy processors tonight applauded lawmakers for supporting $3.2 million in critical funding measures that strengthen the state’s role as a national leader in agricultural exports and dairy innovation, amid myriad pressures.
“As dairy processors meet the challenges of international marketplace volatility, supply chain disruptions, a labor shortage, and biosecurity threats, WCMA members are grateful for the partnership of Joint Finance Committee members to support the stabilization and continued strength of America’s Dairyland,” said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy.
Proposals from both Republicans and Democrats continuing and expanding support for the Wisconsin Initiative on Agricultural Exports (WIAE) and the Dairy Processor Grant Program reflect a deep, bipartisan commitment to growing Wisconsin’s farm and food economy.
Launched in 2021, WIAE was designed as a five-year, $5 million initiative to elevate Wisconsin’s agricultural presence in global markets—and it has delivered impressive returns. In 2024 alone, Wisconsin dairy exports surged by 23.82 percent, surpassing $406 million in value. That growth was fueled in part by a modest investment of just $500,000, generating a nearly 200-to-1 return on investment. Tonight, lawmakers confirmed funding for this program would continue in the 2025-27 biennium at $1 million per year.
“Lawmakers have recognized that small investments in export development yield big returns for Wisconsin’s farmers and food businesses,” said Sweeney. “With the expansion and continued authorization of WIAE, Wisconsin will remain globally competitive.”
WIAE funding has directly benefited businesses through trade missions, in-bound buyer visits, and export readiness programming administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). These efforts have been bolstered by external partners like the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, whose Dairy Export Consultation Program—powered by WIAE funding—has provided tailored support to 17 Wisconsin dairy processors.
“WIAE is more than a trade program—it’s a relationship builder, a resiliency tool, and an engine for economic development,” said Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc). “Our continuing commitment to this initiative sends an important message: Wisconsin stands behind its agricultural businesses and believes in their global potential.”
In addition, lawmakers advanced a proposal to increase Dairy Processor Grant Program funding by $400,000 above base funding of $200,000 annually to total support of $1.2 million over the biennium. These grants are critical to helping small- and medium-sized dairy processors modernize operations through improvements in automation, energy efficiency, food safety, and worker safety.
“This investment in our dairy sector supports job retention and creation, environmental compliance, and long-term competitiveness,” said Sweeney. “Even as the dairy industry generates billions in annual economic activity, it’s these targeted, cost-effective grants that help processors evolve and thrive.”
WCMA recognizes the work of all JFC members, especially Rep. Kurtz and Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto), who offered a motion on dairy processor grants. WCMA also thanks Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) who worked on both budget motions, advocating for increased WIAE and processor grant funding.