Wisconsin looks to add "buy local" program

Jan 16, 2007 10:38 AM

Wisconsin's economy could get a $2 billion-a-year shot in the arm if more people buy their food locally, says Wisconsin state senator Julie Lassa. She has introduced into the Wisconsin Legislature a measure called the "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" program.

The "Buy Local" program will help regional markets for Wisconsin farmers grow, according to Lassa. She says it will also provide more opportunities for the state's families, businesses and institutions to buy locally produced food.

"Wisconsin consumers spent over $19 billion on food products in 2002," Lassa said, in announcing the legislation. "This initiative's goal is to keep 10 percent of those dollars in-state, creating a $2 billion boost to the state's economy. This program creates vital economic growth for Wisconsin farmers, businesses and local communities by educating consumers and organizations about the nutritional and economic benefits of buying homegrown agricultural products."

Lassa went on to point out that the hottest food trend among both private consumers and restaurants is buying local, fresh ingredients. Buying local means healthier, tastier meals for consumers, new markets for farmers and producers, and less stress on the environment, Lassa believes. The "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" program proposes a budget of $550,000 a year. The money would come from general tax revenues.

Along with the state agriculture department, the program was created by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Wisconsin Rural Partners, farmers, nonprofit organizations, food businesses and state agencies.

The program would fall under the auspices of the state agriculture department and would include two full-time economic development consultants. They would work to develop and manage a program that would give grants to people and organizations that "best demonstrate that their projects will expand local food markets and promote Wisconsin's agriculture." In addition, the economic development consultants would work on creating branding and an image for local Wisconsin foods. They would also help with marketing local food products, set up Internet-based networks, and evaluate the impact of the program.

Besides that, the "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" program aims to create new markets for Wisconsin foods. The program's founders envision groups working together in regions of the state to develop "food and culture tourism trails" that "add value and help increase farm income."

These "trails," established with help from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, would consist of farms and businesses that sell locally produced food. It's hoped that travelers - both from outside Wisconsin and within it - will follow the trails, stop at various points along them, and buy local foods. One program goal is to establish eight such trails during the first five years.

"The trails will bridge food and culture to craft a new tourism experience for travelers," according to the agriculture department fact sheet. "This connection will not only generate immediate tourism dollars into a community, but will also impact future purchasing decisions by establishing a relationship between the consumer and the producer."

Another prong of the program is to develop a regional food system. This system would find and attack roadblocks that a regional food system faces. These might include problems with food distribution or processing, access to markets, a lack of state policy, and barriers that keep institutions from buying locally produced food.

The state agriculture department would form an advisory council to help direct the "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" program. And, the department would help people form food processing and distribution networks. It would also provide financial and technical support.

Subscribe to American Cowman Update e-newsletter!

Breaking industry news in your e-mail inbox every other week!
Subscribe at http://subscribe.americancowman.com/subscribe.cfm.