AB43,1724 Section 1724. 93.60 of the statutes is created to read:

AB43,,4470 93.60 Food security and Wisconsin products grant program. The department may award grants from the appropriation under s. 20.115 (4) (f) to nonprofit food banks, nonprofit food pantries, and other nonprofit organizations that provide food assistance for the purpose of purchasing food products that are made or grown in this state.

AB43,1725 Section 1725. 93.62 of the statutes is created to read:

AB43,,4472 93.62 Farm to fork program. (1) Definition. In this section, “farm to fork program” means a program to connect entities that are not school districts and that have cafeterias to nearby farms to provide locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and other nutritious, locally produced foods in meals and snacks; to help the public develop healthy eating habits; to provide nutritional and agricultural education; and to improve farmers’ incomes and direct access to markets.

AB43,,4473 (2) Grants. (a) The department may award grants from the appropriation under s. 20.115 (4) (f) to businesses, universities, hospitals, and other entities that are not school districts and that have cafeterias for the creation and expansion of farm to fork programs. The department shall give preference to proposals that are innovative or that provide models that other entities can adopt.

AB43,,4474 (b) In awarding grants under this section, the department shall promote agricultural development and farm profitability by supporting the development and adoption of practices and agribusiness opportunities that involve the production of value-added agricultural products, as defined under s. 93.65 (1).

AB43,,4475 (c) The department may award grants under this subsection for projects that do any of the following:

AB43,,4476 1. Create, expand, diversify, or promote production, processing, marketing, and distribution of food produced in this state for sale to entities in this state other than school districts.

AB43,,4477 2. Create, expand, or renovate facilities, including purchases of equipment for the facilities, that would ensure the use of food produced in this state in locations in this state other than schools.

AB43,,4478 3. Provide, expand, or promote training for food service personnel, farmers, and distributors.

AB43,,4479 4. Provide, expand, or promote nutritional and agricultural education.

AB43,,4480 (d) The department shall consult with interested persons to establish grant priorities for each fiscal year.

AB43,,4481 (3) Reports. At least annually, the department shall report to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2) and to the secretary on the needs and opportunities for farm to fork programs.

AB43,,4482 (4) Rules. The department may promulgate rules to administer this section.

AB43,1726 Section 1726. 93.65 of the statutes is created to read:

AB43,,4484 93.65 Value-added agricultural practices. (1) Definition. In this section, “value-added agricultural product” means a farm product that satisfies any of the following:

AB43,,4485 (a) The product has undergone a change in physical state.

AB43,,4486 (b) The product is produced in a manner that enhances its value.

AB43,,4487 (c) The product is physically segregated in a manner that enhances its value.

AB43,,4488 (d) The product is a source of farm-based or ranch-based renewable energy.

AB43,,4489 (e) The product is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced farm product.

AB43,,4490 (2) Value-added products. The department may provide education and technical assistance related to promoting and implementing agricultural practices that produce value-added agricultural products, including by doing all of the following:

AB43,,4491 (a) Assistance for organic farming practices. Providing education and technical assistance related to organic farming practices, including business and market development assistance; collaborating with organic producers, industry participants, and local organizations that coordinate organic farming; and stimulating interest and investment in organic production. The department may award grants from the appropriation under s. 20.115 (4) (f) to organic producers, industry participants, and local organizations that coordinate organic farming. The department may award a grant to an organic producer, industry participant, or local organization under this paragraph for any of the following purposes:

AB43,,4492 1. Providing education and technical assistance related to implementing organic farming practices.

AB43,,4493 2. Helping to create organic farming plans.

AB43,,4494 3. Assisting farmers to transition to organic farming.

AB43,,4495 (b) Grazing grants. Awarding grants from the appropriation under s. 20.115 (4) (f) to appropriate entities to provide education and training to farmers about best practices related to grazing.

AB43,,4496 (c) Promotion. Helping producers market value-added agricultural products, including products produced through the use of a practice described in s. 93.67.

AB43,,4497 (3) Rules. The department may promulgate rules to administer this section.