State Rep. Warren Petryk

As the weather warms, our parks transform into a thriving center of agricultural commerce, where we are able to buy locally grown agricultural products while chatting with our local farmers. These farmers' markets can be found throughout the Chippewa Valley, from Phoenix Park in Eau Claire to the River Falls Farmers Market at Dick’s Fresh Market. These markets also highlight the importance of Wisconsin's agricultural industry, which contributes more than $100 billion to the state's economy and employs over 435,000 people.

First, we need to ensure that our local producers can continue to export all the amazing products we produce here. That is why I supported the budget, which included adding millions of new dollars to our state's agriculture export program. The goal of the program to increase agricultural exports by 25% by 2026 through increasing trade promotion activities, funding scholarships to help companies learn cutting-edge export strategies, and assisting businesses in entering new international markets. Imagine ordering a roast beef sandwich while abroad and receiving a side of Silver Spring Horseradish.

And, as our agricultural businesses strive to compete in a global marketplace, we must reduce rather than increase our state's tax burden. That is why I was disappointed once more to see the governor and local Democratic lawmakers support raising taxes on our manufacturing and agricultural producers by more than $600 million. Raising taxes is not the solution when our farms are still struggling to recover from the pandemic's effects along with dealing with rising costs and inflation. Fortunately, this was among the first provisions removed from the governor's proposed budget and not included in the final bill the governor signed. 

Also, to ensure that our agricultural producers can safely transport their products from the fields to our tables, I voted this session to establish and fund a new agricultural road improvement program. This new program focuses transportation funding on repairing our agricultural roads, which cover a large portion of western Wisconsin. Our local governments have already begun to apply for this funding, and it is expected to reach our area in July, with a second round of grants beginning later this year.

With agriculture playing such an important role in our community and across the state, I will continue to focus on ensuring its success. As always, if you have any ideas for future legislation that will benefit our farmers and producers, please contact me at Rep.Petryk@legis.wisconsin.gov.