Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is the state government agency responsible for regulating and supporting the state’s agricultural economy, ensuring food and consumer safety, and promoting fair business practices across Wisconsin. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, DATCP operates at the intersection of agricultural development, environmental stewardship, and consumer rights.
Core Business
DATCP’s core mandate is to regulate, promote, and protect Wisconsin’s agriculture, trade, and consumer sectors. It plays a vital role in ensuring food safety, supporting farmers, managing environmental programs, regulating trade practices, and educating consumers on rights and protections.
The agency reports to the Office of the Governor of Wisconsin and is led by Secretary Randy Romanski, with multiple divisions focusing on key regulatory and service areas.
Product and Service Offerings
Consumer Protection Services
- Consumer complaint investigation and mediation
- Consumer education on fraud, scams, and deceptive business practices
- Licensing and monitoring of regulated industries including motor fuel, weights and measures, and telemarketing
Agricultural Development Programs
- Wisconsin Farm Center: Financial counseling, conflict mediation, and succession planning for farms
- Agricultural Export Support: Connects Wisconsin producers with global markets
- Local food promotion and value-added agriculture initiatives
Food Safety Regulations
- Inspections of food processors, dairy plants, and retail establishments
- Licensing and compliance enforcement
- Dairy farm certification and milk quality programs
Animal Health Services
- Livestock disease control and emergency response
- Animal movement regulations and identification programs
- Veterinary technical support and outreach
Environmental Protection Initiatives
- Land and Water Conservation: Nutrient management, runoff control, soil preservation
- Agricultural Resource Management Division: Manages pesticide use, groundwater protection, and farm sustainability programs
Specialisation and Core USP
DATCP’s unique strength lies in its multidisciplinary governance model, combining regulation with industry support. The agency is distinct in its integration of:
- Consumer protection and agricultural policy
- Statewide compliance with proactive farmer outreach
- Data-driven policy development through market research and surveillance
The department collaborates extensively with local governments, universities (especially the University of Wisconsin System), and federal agencies including USDA, FDA, and EPA.
Financials and Business Scale
DATCP operates with a biennial budget of approximately $116 million (2023–2025), allocated across five major divisions. Key financial allocations include:
- $20 million+ for consumer protection and trade regulation
- $35 million+ for food and dairy safety
- $30 million+ for agricultural development and farm services
- Over 600 employees including inspectors, analysts, veterinarians, economists, and regulatory officers
The department also manages federal grant funds and cooperative agreements, notably from USDA for export development and food security programs.
Shipments and Global Reach
As a regulatory agency, DATCP does not directly engage in product shipments. However, it supports:
- Agricultural exports worth over $4 billion annually from Wisconsin
- Notably includes exports of dairy, ginseng, cranberries, soybeans, and processed meats
- Organizes trade missions and matchmaking events in collaboration with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Target Market
DATCP serves a broad set of stakeholders:
- Farmers and agribusinesses across dairy, livestock, produce, and grain
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Retailers and distributors
- Consumers seeking protection from fraud and unfair practices
- Local governments, NGOs, and environmental groups
Their services ensure that Wisconsin’s agricultural economy remains competitive, transparent, and safe.
Capabilities
- Statewide inspection teams with advanced testing labs
- Market data analysis and policy development
- Online licensing and registration systems
- Training programs for producers, processors, and local officials
- Emergency response frameworks for foodborne outbreaks and animal health issues
Certifications and Compliance
DATCP enforces and aligns with:
- FDA and USDA regulations
- FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act)
- Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
- State-level environmental and consumer safety laws
- Compliance audits, food recalls, and public advisories
DATCP also facilitates certification for:
- Organic producers
- Food safety training (e.g., HACCP, ServSafe)
- Export documentation and veterinary certifications
Customer Testimonials
“As a small dairy farm, the DATCP Farm Center was a lifeline during the transition to next-generation ownership. Their team is both knowledgeable and compassionate.”
— Dairy Farmer, Marathon County
“The food inspection and licensing process in Wisconsin is thorough but efficient. DATCP staff provide clear guidance that helps us stay compliant and competitive.”
— Food Processor, Milwaukee
Major Achievements
- Managed Wisconsin’s COVID-19 food system response with emergency grants and market stabilization tools
- Reached over 20,000 consumer complaints resolved annually
- Played a key role in boosting Wisconsin’s agricultural exports to record highs in 2022
- Led farmer mental health and resilience programs, recognized nationally
- Launched Farm to School and Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin initiatives, improving access to local foods
- Maintains top-tier rankings in national dairy safety and regulatory compliance audits
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) continues to serve as a model for integrated agricultural policy, consumer rights enforcement, and environmental protection in the United States.
