Governor Tony Evers announced the Wisconsin Farm Support Program, a $50 million investment to farmers and farms struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 has created challenges for farmers, and everyone else in the food process chain.
Wisconsin farmers will be able to apply for this aid through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, who is working in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Those approved for the aid would begin receiving payments as early as June.
"These direct payments will help revitalize local economies and jump-start Wisconsin’s food supply chain, which has been significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Evers.
According to a press release from Evers, federal aid so far has attempted to support agriculture nationwide, but Wisconsin farmers have been left out. This new program will help make up for that.
In addition to helping the farmers, the governor has also committed $15 million to the Food Security Initiative. These funds will go to Wisconsin food pantries and banks as they do their best to help our communities during this pandemic.
"Our farmers and agribusinesses have never wavered in their commitment to providing nutritious, high-quality food for folks here in Wisconsin and around the world. Now, we’re going all in together to support both Wisconsin’s agriculture industry and people in need throughout the state," said the governor.