WCMA Policy Committee Meeting & State Advocacy Day

You're invited to join WCMA's open Policy Committee for an in-person meeting at The Concourse Hotel and State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday, February 6 from 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (CT), for opportunities to hear from federal and state lawmakers about the session ahead - and to advocate for industry priorities.

From the Farm Bill to FMMO reform, and from state grant programs to regulatory change, WCMA's voice makes an impact in Washington and Wisconsin.  Join us in our effort to strengthen the dairy processing community through direct advocacy.

Here's a look at our meeting agenda:

• 10:00 a.m.: Meeting Sign-In Begins, Networking

• 10:30 a.m.: Call to Order & Introductions

• 10:45 a.m.: Overview of WCMA Advocacy Efforts

• 11:00 a.m.: Guest Speakers

  • Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) will join the meeting to discuss federal funding, the Farm Bill, Food & Drug Administration regulations, and immigration.

  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Steven Little will discuss new opportunities for agency-industry partnership on wastewater management practices.

  • Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Deputy Secretary Aileen Switzer will detail opportunities for business growth via the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program, the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE), and Dairy Processor Grants.

  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation leadership will unveil opportunities for infrastructure improvements via the new $150 million Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP).

• 12:00 noon: Networking Lunch

• 12:45 p.m.: Legislative Leaders' Panel Discussion

  • Featuring insights from:

    • Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), Co-Chair of Joint Finance Committee
    • Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan), Chair of Senate Committee on Agriculture & Tourism, Member of Joint Finance Committee
    • Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), Member of Senate Committee on Agriculture & Tourism
    • Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc), Member of Joint Finance Committee
    • Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo), Member of Assembly Committee on Agriculture

• 1:30 p.m.: Advocacy Meetings Briefing & Walk to Wisconsin State Capitol

• 2:00-3:00 p.m.: Advocacy Meetings

• 3:00 p.m.: Return to Concourse Hotel & Adjournment

Thanks go to our generous meeting sponsors: C.D. Smith Construction, Compeer Financial, and Sargento Foods.

More details will be shared as legislators are confirmed for speaking roles, in the coming days.  Please contact WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney with your questions and ideas.