U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) joined Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Friday at two meetings with local farmers and community members focused on agriculture, rural economic development, current efforts at creating jobs and growing the economy. 

 

“Small businesses and family farmers are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities,” said Rep. Kind.  “I’m pleased that Secretary Vilsack was able to join me today in discussing some of the topics most important to western Wisconsin.  I will continue to work hard to help ensure our farmers get a fair shake and our rural communities get the resources they need to compete in a global economy.”

 

Rep. Kind and Secretary Vilsack first met with a group of about 60 members of the ag community at Goplin Homestead Dairy Farm in Osseo, Wis. to discuss rural economic development and efforts to support local farmers.  Rep. Kind detailed recent efforts to help struggling farmers including tax credits and incentives to help farmers access the credit market and stay afloat in a tough economy. He also discussed the use of biofuels as well as the importance of farm subsidy reform.  Many attendees expressed concerns with dairy prices and asked questions that ranged from immigration to starting a farm to accessing credit.

 

Rep. Kind and Secretary Vilsack then traveled to Tri County Communications in Strum, Wis. where they were able to join a roundtable of local businesses and co-ops – including Producers and Buyers Co-op out of Eau Claire, Sacred Heart Hospital, Associated Milk Producers Inc, Eleva-Strum School District, credit unions and community banks, Jackson Electric Cooperative, Chippewa Valley Bean Company, and UW Extension - to discuss efforts to promote rural economic development, including increased access to broadband Internet, and spur job creation. Secretary Vilsack also announced that through USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and three other economic development programs, USDA is providing $2.7 million in loans and grants to help Wisconsin farmers and rural small businesses reduce energy consumption, create jobs and promote economic development.