WI SB871

DATCP would create a sustainable agriculture grant program with $2.5 million appropriated in 2025-26 to fund farmers implementing fossil fuel efficiency measures, planting hedgerows/riparian buffers, increasing soil carbon storage, or developing conservation management plans

Grants cannot be awarded for projects on land in retirement programs, commercial forest land, or aquaculture projects, and farmers must first apply for other available conservation programs (like CREP) before receiving these grants

DATCP must prioritize grants that maximize carbon dioxide equivalent reductions per dollar spent, leverage other funding sources, improve air/water quality, provide agronomic benefits, and ensure geographic and farm-size diversity

Up to 20% of appropriated funds may be used for educational outreach, technical assistance, program administration, and developing prioritization models

DATCP must submit biennial reports to the legislature documenting matching funds used, emissions avoided, carbon stored, and total atmospheric impact of funded projects