Senate Bill 811 proposes to enhance the support for farmers in Wisconsin by increasing the number of authorized positions within the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Specifically, the bill adds two full-time positions dedicated to regional farmer support, which aims to improve assistance and resources available to farmers across the state. To facilitate this expansion, the bill also includes an increase in the department's appropriation for the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, with an additional $150,400 allocated for the first year and $200,500 for the second year.
The bill outlines the fiscal changes necessary to implement these enhancements, specifically detailing the adjustments to the appropriation schedule under section 20.115 (3) (a) of the current law. By increasing the authorized full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, the bill seeks to bolster the department's capacity to support the agricultural community effectively, thereby promoting the overall health and sustainability of Wisconsin's farming sector.