MADISON – The Wisconsin State Assembly passed three bills today that will help Wisconsin’s farm economy by adding additional processing capacity for soybeans and potatoes, and helping low-income families afford locally-grown farm products.
“These bills help strengthen our agricultural economy in Wisconsin by expanding soybean and potato markets and incentivizing healthy local food options for low-income families,” said WFBF President Brad Olson.
Senate Bill 787 will help Minnesota-based CHS build a $700 million soybean processing facility in the City of Evansville in Rock County. The facility is expected to process 70 million bushels of soybeans each year, increasing profits for farmers and creating 90 new jobs for the local economy.
“This will be a tremendous boost for Wisconsin’s soybean industry by providing a 50% increase in processing,” said Olson.
Senate Bill 880 will help Belgian potato processor, Agristo, build a $40-50 million potato processing plant in Stevens Point. The plant is expected to create 150 jobs and purchase 10,000 to 20,000 acres of potatoes from Wisconsin farmers annually.
Assembly Bill 1013 creates a Nutrition Incentive Program in Wisconsin, often referred to as “Double Dollars”, that incentivizes the purchase of healthy locally-grown produce by providing double the amount of assistance for these purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If someone receiving these benefits uses them to purchase fruits and vegetables at their local farmers market or grocery, their allotment for those products is doubled.
Assembly Bill 1013 now moves on to the State Senate for consideration. Senate Bills 787 and 880 now move on to Gov. Evers for his signature.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization. Made up of 61 county Farm Bureaus, it represents farms of all sizes, commodities and management styles.
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