Racine Sun

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI), State Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine), Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) and Rep. Kristina Shelton (D-Green Bay) announced on Sept. 28 they are backing bills that would invest in agriculture locally while lessening the carbon footprint of farming.

LRB 4243 titled the “Farm to School Farm to Fork,” a package of legislation, would make investments in the Wisconsin AG industry as well as contribute to the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change to reduce greenhouse emissions.

“Had a great time this morning at the World Dairy Expo (Sept. 28-Oct. 2),” Neubauer said in a tweet. “I was proud to join Gov. Evers, Sen. Pfaff and Rep. Considine in announcing a package of bills to support and grow Wisconsin's dairy and agricultural economy. I’m excited to co-author the Farm-to-School Farm-to-Fork bill, funding partnerships to bring fresh, locally grown food to cafeterias in communities like Racine. Our economy is interconnected as is our collective well being. I hope to see bipartisan action on these bills.”

A press release issued by Neubauer said agriculture is central to the economy of Wisconsin employing over 10% of the state’s workforce and contributing over $100 billion annually.

“We’re famous worldwide for our dairy and our delicious fruits and vegetables, including cherries, cranberries and corn,” she said. “This bill will help to connect cafeterias in our schools and communities with nearby farms, so that our friends and neighbors can enjoy healthy, locally-produced food, learn about agriculture and nutrition and support our local farmers.”

Investments to agriculture became part of the state’s 2021-2023 budget.

Neubauer added the initiative is intended to build the local AG industry while cutting carbon emissions in Wisconsin communities.

“Eating fresh, local food means less shipping, less storage and less refrigeration is needed, cutting down on the gas and electricity we consume on the way to eating a delicious meal,” she said. “With programs like Farm to School and Farm to Fork, we can all enjoy the best Wisconsin has to offer —fresh, local, nutritious food, produced and prepared in our own communities by our friends and neighbors.”

A report from the Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction said the Farm to School program aims to promote the eating of locally grown foods in school cafeterias and growing them in school gardens across the state, as well as providing nutrition education in the classroom and educational visits by farmers.

October is National Farm to School Month, the report added.