Rural communities key to economic prosperity

MADISON - Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Sheila Harsdorf commends the action of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue as he released the findings of the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Nashville, TN.

“Agriculture and rural communities are the foundation of America’s economy and key to the country’s future economic prosperity. I commend Secretary Perdue for traveling to states across the country, including Wisconsin, to hear directly from producers and agribusinesses.

“The primary indicators of rural prosperity identified by the Interagency Task Force are closely aligned with Governor Walker’s rural agenda that he outlined this past fall. Wisconsin is prepared to be a leader as we work to address the rural workforce, broadband access, and economic development with a wide variety of forward-thinking reforms.

“Wisconsin is fortunate to be home to world-class quality educational institutions that will be key to developing the state’s workforce. Through his recent budget, the Governor has made historic investments in expanding broadband and increasing opportunities for students and businesses in rural communities. In Wisconsin, we will continue to work to grow our domestic and international markets for agricultural products to increase profitability and generate access to new markets for our farmers and agribusinesses.

“I am pleased in the Administration’s recognition of the critical importance that our farmers and small businesses play in growing a strong economy. I look forward to working together to create opportunity and prosperity for our rural communities.”