Agriculture
Representing one of the most productive farming regions in the country, I have worked hard on agriculture issues both in Wisconsin and in Washington. I believe that current agricultural policies are out of date and do not reflect the needs of the average Wisconsin farmer in today’s modern economy. This is why I have spent my time in Congress fighting to reform and modernize our agriculture policy.
Western Wisconsin is home to one of the largest dairy producing regions in the country. I have long believed that we need to forge a truly national dairy policy that stops pitting region against region. I have introduced a comprehensive plan to secure the future of the Wisconsin dairy industry. Read my full plan here(LINK).
Additionally, I have highlighted the promise and needs of organic agriculture by founding and co-chairing the Congressional Organic Caucus.
I have used my position on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee to advocate for tax benefits to help family farmers thrive and innovate. I authored a Biogas Investment Tax Credit to encourage dairy producers to control their animal waste with the use of manure digesters while also producing renewable energy.
I continue to look for new ways to assist small and beginning farmers and those who produce renewable energy on the farm through tax incentives; to expand market opportunities abroad; and to provide access to an adequate labor supply through reform of the H-2B program.
More on Agriculture
Village of Merrillan, WI – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announces that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded the Village of Merrillan a grant to assist in funding for Village departmental needs. The funds from the grant will be used for an enclosed mower with snow removal equipment, a new police squad vehicle, and a used fire engine.
Village of Muscoda, WI – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind applauded the announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development that the Village of Muscoda will receive a Community Facility Direct Loan to assist in the construction and development of a new public library. The funding will create more space for children’s programs, handicap accessibility, and an expanded large-print and audio media section.
La Crosse, WI – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) introduced the bipartisan Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act, to provide tax incentives for farmers and rural electric cooperatives to invest in biogas technology.
Rep. Kind Calls for Indian Prime Minister Modi to Open the Indian Market to Wisconsin Dairy Products
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind attended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to a joint session of Congress. Following the address, Rep. Kind is calling for Prime Minister Modi to take steps to remove barriers that have kept Wisconsin dairy exporters from being able to sell their products in India.
La Crosse, WI – U.S. Rep. Ron Kind announced that the Southwest Opportunities Center in Lancaster was awarded a $23,140 USDA Rural Development Grant to go towards the development their greenhouse project.
“Lancaster’s Southwest Opportunities Center has been doing impressive and innovative work to grow the local economy and provide healthy local food. I was proud to work with them and USDA to find the funding for their new greenhouse project, which will create more jobs producing and selling tomatoes in the Lancaster area,” said Rep. Ron Kind.