The Wisconsin Dairy Business Association was notified today that the funding for the "Environmental Compliance Cooperative Agreement" project was approved.  The DBA submitted this as a proposal in the FY 2007 Senate version of the Agricultural Appropriations Report. "The project will provide an opportunity to better link federal conservation programs in a way to complement new state requirements under the Livestock Facilities Siting and other laws and provide the necessary tools and resources for producers," said Laurie Fischer, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association.

The $250,000 funding for this project was included in a long list of projects for which Senator Herb Kohl had successfully secured funding in the 2008 Agriculture Spending Bill.  Senator Kohl worked to ensure necessary funding for a wide range of programs to protect natural resources, to increase research for agricultural and disease eradication, to boost participation in school lunch programs and to support education and training in urban horticulture.

"DBA funding for the Environmental Compliance Cooperative Agreement project could not have come at a better time,” said Fischer.  “Dairy agriculture is growing in WI and this type of assistance will provide technical and engineering expertise, and on-site visits - services that producers need when they expand their facilities.  This program is designed to make sure that producers begin projects with the right advice and resources to ensure that operations are planned in an economical and environmentally protective way.  One important benefit of operating this program through a producer organization is that producers are more likely to turn to those with whom they have a relationship and trust for environmental guidance.  This project should be viewed as a supplement to the important and outstanding work that is being conducted by Wisconsin NRCS staff.  Technical assistance provided through this grant will also result in Wisconsin producers ranking higher for federal programs," Fischer stated.

The programs funded in Senator Kohl's list again show that Wisconsin is fortunate to have this hard working and knowledgeable friend of the dairy industry in Washington.  The Wisconsin Dairy Business Association is grateful to Senator Herb Kohl for securing the funds for this project which will be a proactive resource, helping to create and protect consistent water, environmental and waste management regulation.