The Wisconsin State biennial budget allocates every county conservation department in the state funding for staffing support over a two-year period.
A state investment in county conservation staff is critical to maintaining and expanding Wisconsin’s capacity to implement critical state conservation and agricultural programs.
Agriculture is vital to Wisconsin’s economy and cultural identity. In 1978, the Farmland Preservation Program was established to ensure Wisconsin maintains this vibrant farming community for future generations. Improving and modernizing the program will build on our state’s rich conservation legacy.
Budget Priority 1:
Provide $18.7 million in stable, core funding support for county conservation department staffing from the DATCP Soil and Water Resources Management Program budget.
Whether supporting producer-led groups, assisting waterfront property owners, helping farmers improve soil health, or responding to natural disasters, county conservation staff are relied upon by their communities.
Budget Priority 2:
Improve and modernize the DATCP Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) by increasing participant tax credits and expanding grant implementation reimbursements to local units of government, as proposed in 2021-22 Senate Bill 68.
The Farmland Preservation Program is the only state conservation compliance program that rewards landowners for their stewardship of the land and their commitment to future generations of farmers.
Connect With Us
We welcome you to contact our Executive Director Matt Krueger to further discuss our budget priorities.