WI AB845

Creates a sustainable agriculture grant program administered by DATCP with $2.5 million appropriated for 2025-26 to fund farmers implementing fossil fuel efficiency measures, carbon sequestration practices (hedgerows, cover cropping, no-till), soil carbon storage, or conservation management plans

Excludes projects on land in retirement programs, commercial forest land, or aquaculture operations, and requires farmers to first apply for other available conservation programs (such as CREP) before receiving grants

Prioritizes grants that maximize carbon dioxide equivalent reductions per dollar spent, improve air/water quality while providing agronomic benefits, and ensures geographic and farm-size diversity across the state

Allows up to 20% of appropriated funds for education, technical assistance, and administration; permits grant recipients to use funds for equipment down payments or loans related to grant purposes

Requires DATCP to maintain a public list of grant recipients and submit biennial reports to the legislature documenting matching funds, emissions avoided, carbon stored, and total program impact