The 158th Wisconsin State Fair opened today with Gov. Jim Doyle announcing that the economic impact of the state's agriculture industry has grown to more than $59 billion annually.
"Here in Wisconsin, we have a strong tradition of agriculture and I am working hard to ensure that farming remains a cornerstone of our economy for generations to come," Doyle said while opening the fair in West Allis. "Agriculture generates more than $59 billion for the state annually, creating jobs for hundreds of thousands of hardworking people. Despite the economic hurdles we are all facing right now, I am confident that agriculture will continue to be an industry that defines Wisconsin and serve as a foundation for our economy."
According to a recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, from 2004-2007 the economic impact of agriculture increased almost 15 percent, from $51.5 billion to $59.16 billion. In 2007, farms and agriculture created almost 354,000 jobs.
Last year, more than 870,000 people attended the fair.
This year, the state fair features forward-looking clean energy technology, including the "Energy on a Stick" solar panel project and solar display. Doyle thanked the State Fair Park for leading the way to reduce its energy use by more than 40 percent and for using the fair as an opportunity to showcase innovative and cost-saving energy solutions.
State Fair has 'Energy on a Stick'
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