Baldwin Earns American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of Farm Bureau” Award

EAU CLAIRE COUNTY, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) “Friend of Farm Bureau” award, recognizing her steadfast commitment to Wisconsin farmers and rural communities. Senator Baldwin accepted the award while visiting Messerschmidt Farms in Fall Creek, Wisconsin.

“Wisconsin farmers are the backbone of our state’s economy and the fabric of our rural communities, and it’s my job to hear their concerns and fight for them in Washington,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I’m honored to be named a ‘Friend of Farm Bureau,’ and look forward to continuing to fight in Washington to give Wisconsin farmers and rural communities the tools they need to succeed for generations to come.”

"The Wisconsin Farm Bureau supports Senator Tammy Baldwin for her continued dedication to Wisconsin's agricultural community,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Brad Olson. “Senator Baldwin has led efforts to enforce FDA labeling standards through the Dairy Pride Act and increased funding in Wisconsin businesses through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, which has directed almost $40 million to help Wisconsin dairy businesses. Her leadership on key legislation like the Meat Business Innovation Act and the Farmland Security Act reflects her commitment to the future of our farmers and rural communities. Senator Baldwin understands the unique challenges facing Wisconsin agriculture and has consistently been a strong voice in Washington, advocating for policies that promote sustainability and growth in our state's farming industry."

AFBF gives the award to members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors. Senator Baldwin was given the award based on her legislative efforts to support Wisconsin’s farm families and agriculture economy. Senator Baldwin has introduced several pieces of legislation backed by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, including:

• Farmland Security Act, bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and oversight of foreign ownership in the American agricultural industry.
• Protecting Future Farmland Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure that federal investments in rural energy projects prioritizes both land stewardship and responsible deployment of renewable energy to protect America’s farmlands for future cultivation.
• Dairy Business Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives, to help more American dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, including creating new products, expanding their markets, and modernizing their production facilities. Senator Baldwin successfully created the DBI Initiatives through the Dairy Business Innovation Act in 2018, which passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill and has since delivered $40 million to help Wisconsin dairy businesses innovate and reach new customers.
• Meat Business Innovation Act, legislation that applies the successful model of the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives to the livestock farming and meat processing industry.
• DAIRY PRIDE Act, bipartisan legislation to require non-dairy products made from nuts, seeds, plants, and algae to no longer be mislabeled with dairy terms such as milk, yogurt or cheese.

Downloadable pictures from the visit and of Senator Baldwin receiving the award can be found here.

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