Wisconsin Ag Coalition Outlines Budget Priorities for 2025-2027 Biennium

The Wisconsin Ag Coalition, representing a broad alliance of agricultural organizations, released a joint statement today on its budget priorities for the 2025-27 biennial state budget. The coalition emphasized that strategic investments in agriculture are crucial to sustaining Wisconsin’s economy, which generates $116.3 billion annually and supports more than 9.5% of the state's workforce.

The Wisconsin Ag Coalition released the following statement.

“The 2023-25 state budget was one of the most supportive for agriculture in recent history, thanks to the leadership of state legislators, the Joint Committee on Finance and Gov. Evers. Programs like ARIP demonstrated the importance of targeted investments in Wisconsin agriculture. We are optimistic that policymakers will continue to prioritize the needs of farmers and agribusinesses in the upcoming budget cycle.

Investments in agriculture are investments in Wisconsin’s future. This budget must address the growing demands on infrastructure, innovation and workforce development to ensure that farms and agribusinesses continue to thrive. Wisconsin agriculture needs support to remain competitive and resilient in the face of evolving global industry.

The coalition’s top budget priorities are:

• Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP): A continuation of the $150 million initiative that upgrades essential town and county roads used by agricultural operations to transport over 15 million tons of goods annually, with an estimated $12 billion economic impact. The overwhelming demand for this program demonstrates the need for sustained funding to support agricultural infrastructure.
• Innovation and Market Development for Rural Communities: Continued investment supporting Wisconsin’s dairy and meat processing industries, promoting biofuels innovation and expanding programs that help farmers access new markets and strengthen Wisconsin’s agricultural export capacity.
• Farmer-led Conservation Programs: Expanded support for farmer-led projects improving soil health, water quality and sustainable nutrient management.
• Workforce and Community Support: Continued investment in workforce programs, such as CDL driver grants and technical student organizations, expanded access to mental health services for farmers and their families. Additionally, targeted tax reform aimed to alleviate financial pressures on farmers and ensuring long-term stability and prosperity for Wisconsin’s family farms.

We call on state leaders to maintain that momentum with these strategic priorities, ensuring that Wisconsin agriculture continues to fuel economic vitality and strengthen Wisconsin's rural communities.”

The Wisconsin Ag Coalition includes a wide range of organizations dedicated to supporting and advancing the state’s agricultural sector. Assigned organizations include AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Bayer, Compeer Financial, Cooperative Network, CropLife America, Dairy Business Association, Grassworks, Inc., GROWMARK, Inc., GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Midwest Food Products Association, Syngenta, Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors, Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants, Wisconsin Biofuels Association, Wisconsin Biomass Energy Coalition, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Dairy Products Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Horse Council, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.