Farmers receive extra $50 million in support

An additional $50 million in direct payments to support Wisconsin’s agricultural producers, was announced through a new round of the Wisconsin Farm Support Program, an additional installment of Gov. Tony Evers’ program that was announced in 2020.

Last year, $50 million was distributed in direct aid to farmers, through the Wisconsin Farm Support Program. Since then, more than $100 million was earmarked 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 Evers. “They’ve always had our back, and now, we need to have theirs.”

Farmers have faced low commodity prices in recent years, and the coronavirus pandemic created new challenges for the entire sector, with unexpected shocks to agricultural markets. Still, Wisconsin’s agriculture industry annually contributes nearly $105 billion to the state’s economy, and provides more than 435,000 jobs, while helping to feed the world.

In the initial installment of the Farm Support Program announced in May 2020, Evers announced $50 million in direct aid payments to farmers. Under the Farm Support Program initiative in 2020, each recipient received up to a $3,500 payment.

The 2020 Farm Support Program funding was provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This additional investment in the Farm Support Program also builds on the governor’s previous pandemic-related investments in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry, including $25 million for food security initiatives and funding to boost Wisconsin food products, as well as $3.3 million in assistance for the ethanol industry.

“Our team understands the importance of getting help where it is needed in our agricultural communities,” said Department of Revenue (DOR) secretary Peter Barca.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Cosumer Protection, will partner with the DOR to administer the program. Applications will open later this year, after the fall harvest, to ensure sufficient time for farmers to learn about the program and apply.