​ DATCP Staff Available to Answer Questions at Farm Tech Days


Release Date: June 28, 2019

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Media Contact: Rick Hummell, Senior Communications Specialist
608-224-5041 richard.hummell@wi.gov

MADISON – Do you have questions about any of the programs or services administered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)? Bring them to Farm Tech Days to have them answered by agency personnel who will be staffing several booths during the three-day event.

 “Farm Technology Days provides a great opportunity for DATCP staff to talk one-on-one with farmers, consumers and businesses,” said Secretary-designee Brad Pfaff. “I encourage anyone with questions related to programs or services offered by DATCP to stop by our booths and talk with our staff. They’ll be able to answer your questions or get back to you with the answers. We’ll also will have brochures, pamphlets and other resources that members of the public can take with them.”

Scheduled July 23-25, the 2019 Farm Tech Days will be held at Walter Grain Farms near Johnson Creek in Jefferson County.

DATCP will have three booths in the Progress Pavilion, a large tent featuring exhibits and information from agencies and organizations supporting agriculture.

Visit the Nutrient Management Planning booth to learn about programs addressing soil and water issues, including grant programs for producer-led groups focusing on ways to prevent and reduce runoff from farm fields. Learn about DATCP’s nutrient management services, including how to develop a nutrient management plan, and hear how these plans have worked on real farms.

Stop by the “Growing Wisconsin Agriculture” booth to learn how DATCP delivers efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses. Educational and informational materials will be available from the divisions of Agriculture Resource Management, Agricultural Development, Food and Recreational Safety, and Animal Health. Young and old alike can try their hand at our Nine-Panel Educational Game.

Also in the Progress Pavilion, DATCP’s Safe Wisconsin Produce team will be partnering with UW Extension to help Wisconsin fresh produce growers prepare for the Food Safety Modernization Act and the Produce Safety Rule. Staff will be available to answer questions about the new regulations, such as whose farms are covered, what exemptions are available, and when inspections will begin. Growers can learn about Grower Training classes and On-Farm Readiness Reviews.

The public also is encouraged to stop by DATCP’s Consumer Protection booth in the Rural Event Center, a pavilion featuring non-profit, educational and civic exhibitors. Staff will be available to answer questions about the most common consumer complaints and offer tips on how to protect yourself from fraud. Information for visitors of all ages will be available on topics such as telemarketing, identify theft, family emergency scams and more.

New this year, DATCP’s Consumer Protection Division will be staging two hour-long presentations related to fraud, scams and other consumer protection issues. The presentations are scheduled Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 25, 9-10 a.m., on the main stage of the Rural Event Center.

 

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