WC Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) recently hosted the annual meeting of the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture, bringing together agriculture security officials from across the United States from September 9 to 11. The partnership, which is made up of representatives from 19 states, focuses on improving emergency preparedness in agriculture by working together on surveillance and response to agricultural threats. It also coordinates efforts with government agencies at all levels. Each year, the group holds its meeting in a different state.

Randy Romanski, Secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and an alumnus of UWRF, welcomed attendees at the opening session. He emphasized agriculture's significance in Wisconsin’s economy.

“Agriculture is a $116.3 billion industry in the state of Wisconsin,” Romanski said. “About one in 10 people working in the state of Wisconsin holds a job related to agriculture.” He added that Wisconsin exports products to 151 countries and ranks as the nation’s 12th largest exporter.

Romanski also commended the partnership for its collaborative approach across state borders to protect against agricultural threats.

“When we’re talking about controlling pests and diseases and protecting humans and animals, it’s a pretty important safety net,” Romanski said. “There's a border between us and Minnesota... but that border doesn’t stop birds from flying.”

Kurt Grajkowski, emergency services coordinator with DATCP’s Division of Animal Health, represents Wisconsin within the partnership and organized this year’s meeting at UWRF. He highlighted concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza, New World screwworm, and foot-and-mouth disease as major topics among members. The partnership allows states to share resources and ideas for managing animal and plant disease outbreaks.

Grajkowski explained his decision to hold the event at UWRF was partly to introduce members to an area they might not know well while showcasing some unique university programs.

“In particular, I wanted to dial into Dr. Kurt Vogel and the Humane Handling Institute to raise awareness of the good resources they have that we can share,” Grajkowski said.

Established at UWRF in 2022, the Humane Handling Institute supports meat industry workers by providing training aimed at improving skills within processing facilities and building consumer confidence.