Russ has been a longtime advocate for Wisconsin-made products, like milk.

Agriculture

Keeping Wisconsin Growing

"Agriculture is one of the pillars of Wisconsin. It is not only fundamental to our state's economic success but also integral to our history and culture. Renowned for dairy products, Wisconsin has been heralded as the nation's Dairy State. Yet the state's vibrant agricultural industry also produces a great variety of other produce. Wisconsin farmers lead the nation in growing potatoes, ginseng, cranberries, various processing vegetables, and many organic foods.

I have repeatedly spoken out in Washington on behalf of the family farmers in Wisconsin, promoting the needs of the industry and opposing market concentration. I have urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to target research funds toward the needs of small and medium-sized family farms, and I have continuously pushed for a Small Farms Advocate truly dedicated to protecting the interests of small farmers.

The continuing depression of milk prices is the major challenge facing small and large dairy farmers in Wisconsin. That is why I continue to work for dairy price relief, to crack down on the concentration in the agriculture sector, and to push for larger structural reforms of U.S. agriculture policy. I hope common sense guidelines will help to establish a system where Wisconsin farmers can once again have faith in a stable market."

ACHIEVEMENTS

Recognition of Senate Voting Record: Senator Feingold is a 2004 recipient of the Golden Triangle Award by the National Farmers Union. The Golden Triangle Award is the given by NFU to select legislators who have shown strong leadersip on agricultural issues. Senator Feingold recieved the highly selective award for his work on country-of-origin labeling, fair trade policy and initiatives on behalf of dairy producers.

Opposing Market Concentration: Senator Feingold was an original co-sponsor of the Agribusiness Merger Moratorium Act of 1999, which would work to prohibit market concentration in the agriculture industry and protect small family farms from becoming extinct.

Fighting for Price Fairness: Senator Feingold introduced the Dairy Market Enhancement Act of 2000, which established a fair and accurate reporting system for manufactured dairy products.

Ending the Northeast Milk Compact: Senator Feingold's contributions to the Senate Farm Bill, passed in February 2002, helped open up markets for Wisconsin's dairy products by ending the Northeast Milk Compact. Senator Feingold and Senator Herb Kohl succeeded in working with Senators from the Northeast to create a national program that will help farmers across the country when dairy prices fall. As a result, Wisconsin's efficient dairy farms can compete with other parts of the country to get a fair price for their milk, and consumers know they are getting the best deal for the milk on their tables.

Ensuring Fair Labeling of Ginseng: Senator Feingold worked to ensure that the Senate Farm Bill included provisions for the fair trade and accurate labeling of Ginseng products sold in the United States. Consumers can be sure that their Ginseng products are made of high-quality Ginseng root such as that from Wisconsin, not a lesser-quality plant product imported from Asia.

Shaping the Senate Farm Bill: The Senate Farm Bill passed in February 2002 included many of Senator Feingold's proposals. In addition to ending the Northeast Milk Compact and fair labeling of Ginseng, Senator Feingold ensured that the final bill established a program to eradicate Johne's disease through a voluntary incentive program. Johne's disease is a contagious bacterial disease that affects dairy cattle and other animals. Senator Feingold also targeted research dollars to increase the safety of dairy pipeline cleaner.

Providing Economic Opportunity for Rural Areas: Senator Feingold supports the National Rural Development Partnership Act. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) would formally recognize the National Rural Development Partnership and provide a funding source for the program.

READ MORE

NFU Praises Feingold's Work for Family Farmers, (Wisconsin Ag Connection, September 29, 2004)

Feingold: Need to Protect Dairy Industry from EU Proposal, (Wisconsin Ag Connection, August 11, 2004)

Senator Seeks Funds to Battle Livestock Disease, (Wisconsin Ag Connection, August 9, 2004)

Senators Urge FDA to Protect the Integrity of Dairy Products, (Wisconsin Ag Connection, April 14, 2004)

Click here to read more about Senator Feingold's successful efforts to end the Northeast Milk Compact.

Click here to read more about Senator Feingold's provisions ensuring fair labeling of Ginseng products.