Gov. Tony Evers has announced a new direct payment program for farmers and a $15 million initiative to help food banks in Wisconsin. The money comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Gov. Tony Evers has unveiled his plan for spending $1 billion in federal funds to combat COVID-19 in Wisconsin. The money will be used to pay for ongoing efforts to test people for the virus, identify those who may have been exposed and prepare for a potential surge.
Meatpacking plants have been forced to slow production as COVID-19 spreads among workers, leaving farmers caring for market-ready animals and low prices.
Wisconsin's potato and cranberry growers are expecting an oversupply of their crops this fall after losing sales to restaurants and schools closed during the new coronavirus pandemic.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will spend $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and $3 billion in purchases for food banks in response to the pandemic.
While some farmer groups still oppose an industry-wide reduction, more organizations are rallying around plans to pay farmers who reduce their milk supply by 10 percent.
