Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is a state-level government agency responsible for regulating agriculture, food safety, animal health, environmental protection, and consumer rights within Wisconsin. DATCP plays a crucial role in supporting Wisconsin’s $104.8 billion agricultural economy, ensuring sustainable farming practices, and protecting consumer interests through trade regulations, food safety programs, and agricultural development initiatives.
Core Responsibilities and Market Positioning
DATCP operates as Wisconsin’s primary agricultural regulatory and economic development agency, ensuring fair trade practices, environmental sustainability, and robust agricultural market growth.
- Industry: Government, Agriculture, Trade Regulation, Consumer Protection
- Headquarters: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Jurisdiction: State of Wisconsin
- Annual Budget: $180 million+
- Key Focus Areas: Agriculture, Consumer Rights, Trade, Food Safety, Environmental Stewardship
- Economic Impact: Supports Wisconsin’s $104.8 billion agricultural industry
Core Divisions and Services
DATCP provides regulatory oversight, economic development support, and consumer protection services across multiple agricultural and trade sectors.
1. Agricultural Development
- Wisconsin Farm Center: Support for farm financial planning, succession planning, and mental health resources.
- Grants & Loans: Funding programs for rural business development and agricultural innovation.
- Dairy Innovation Hub: Supports Wisconsin’s dairy industry advancements.
2. Agricultural Resource Management
- Soil & Water Conservation Programs: Works with farmers to implement conservation practices.
- Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulation: Ensures safe and responsible use of agricultural chemicals.
- Farmland Preservation: Protecting over 700,000 acres of Wisconsin farmland.
3. Animal Health Division
- Livestock Disease Control: Monitoring and preventing avian influenza, bovine TB, and other diseases.
- Livestock Movement Regulations: Ensuring safe transport of cattle, pigs, and poultry.
- Companion Animal & Equine Welfare Programs.
4. Food Safety Division
- Dairy & Meat Inspection: Ensures Wisconsin remains a leader in dairy and meat safety.
- Retail & Wholesale Food Safety Compliance.
- Organic Certification & Processing.
5. Trade & Consumer Protection
- Consumer Fraud Investigation: Protects against scams, price gouging, and unfair business practices.
- Weights & Measures Compliance: Ensuring accurate fuel pumps, scales, and retail pricing.
- Fair Trade & Business Regulation.
Economic & Market Impact
DATCP plays a critical role in strengthening Wisconsin’s agricultural and consumer markets.
- Wisconsin Agriculture’s Total Economic Contribution: $104.8 billion annually.
- Dairy Industry Impact: $45.6 billion.
- Wisconsin’s Farm Exports: Over $3.9 billion in agricultural exports (2023).
- Directly Supports: 154,000 agricultural jobs.
Top Agricultural Export Categories (2023)
| Category | Export Value ($ Million) |
|---|
| Dairy Products | $678M |
| Corn & Soybeans | $510M |
| Meat & Animal Products | $435M |
| Processed Foods | $400M |
| Cranberries & Specialty Crops | $355M |
Food Safety & Regulatory Certifications
DATCP ensures compliance with state, federal, and international food and trade regulations.
- FDA & USDA Compliance
- Organic Certification Programs
- GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) Alignment
- Statewide Dairy Inspection & Safety Certification
- Consumer Protection & Fraud Prevention Programs
Wisconsin’s Agricultural Export Strength
Wisconsin ranks among the top U.S. states in agricultural exports, providing dairy, meat, grains, and specialty crops to over 140 international markets.
Top Export Markets (2023)
| Country | Export Value ($ Million) |
|---|
| Canada | $1.2B |
| Mexico | $785M |
| China | $650M |
| Japan | $490M |
| South Korea | $410M |
Sustainability & Environmental Initiatives
DATCP is committed to sustainable agriculture, soil conservation, and climate-friendly farming.
- Farmland Preservation Program: Protecting over 700,000 acres of farmland.
- Nutrient Management Plans: Covering over 2.8 million acres of cropland.
- Water Quality Protection: Reducing agricultural runoff and improving water resources.
Major Achievements & Recognitions
- Leading U.S. State in Dairy Production
- No.1 Producer of Cranberries in the U.S. (Over 60% Market Share)
- Certified Organic Farmland Growth (+20% Increase in Last 5 Years)
- Wisconsin Cheese: Most Awarded Cheese in the World
- Named "Top U.S. Agricultural Exporting State" for Dairy and Specialty Crops
Future Goals & Expansion Plans
- Increase Global Agricultural Exports to $5 Billion+ by 2026
- Strengthen Consumer Protection & Trade Regulations
- Expand Sustainable Agriculture Programs
- Enhance Technological Advancements in Dairy & Crop Science
With strong regulatory oversight, economic development initiatives, and a focus on sustainable agriculture, DATCP continues to drive Wisconsin’s agricultural industry forward, ensuring fair trade, food safety, and economic prosperity for farmers and consumers alike.
