Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
| Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Office Type: | Nonpartisan |
| Office website: | Official Link |
| Compensation: | $135,262 |
| 2025 FY Budget: | $120,112,500 |
| Term limits: | None |
| Structure | |
| Length of term: | Serves at the pleasure of the governor |
| Authority: | Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 15.13 |
| Selection Method: | Appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate |
| Current Officeholder | |
Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Randy Romanski | |
| Other Wisconsin Executive Offices | |
| Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditor • Superintendent of Education • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Natural Resources Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commission | |
The Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is an appointed position in the Wisconsin state government. The secretary directs the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), which defines its mission as "[partnering] with all the citizens of Wisconsin to grow the economy by promoting quality food, healthy plants and animals, sound use of land and water resources, and a fair marketplace" and works closely with the DATCP Board and the governor's office.[1]
Current officeholder
The current Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is Randy Romanski (nonpartisan). Romanski assumed office in 2021.
Romanski began serving as the interim secretary in November 2019, after the Wisconsin State Senate rejected Gov. Tony Evers's (D) nomination of Brad Pfaff.[2] Gov. Evers appointed Romanski as the permanent secretary on June 1, 2020.[3] The state Senate confirmed the appointment on September 28, 2021.[4]
Authority
Wisconsin law provides that heads of independent agencies may create and appoint such councils and committees as the operation of the agency requires.[5]
Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 93.02, Staff
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The secretary shall appoint all staff necessary for the carrying out of the duties of the department, all of whom shall be under the classified service except the deputy secretary, the executive assistant and, subject to s. 230.08 (4) (a), the administrators of divisions. Each such deputy secretary, executive assistant or administrator shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the board. |
The creation of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is designated in Wisconsin Statutes.[5]
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There is created a department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection under the direction and supervision of the board of agriculture, trade and consumer protection. The board shall consist of 7 members with an agricultural background and 2 members who are consumer representatives, appointed for staggered 6-year terms. Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to party affiliation, residence or interest in any special organized group. |
Qualifications
Qualifications of the members of the Board of Agriculture are detailed within the Wisconsin State Statutes, Chapter 15.13:[5]
"The board shall consist of 7 members with an agricultural background and 2 members who are consumer representatives, appointed for staggered 6-year terms. Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to party affiliation, residence or interest in any special organized group."
Appointments
Under Chapter 15.05 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the secretary is nominated by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate and serves at the pleasure of the governor.[6]
Vacancies
In the instance of a vacancy, under Chapter 15.05 of the Wisconsin Statutes, a new secretary is nominated by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate and will serve at the pleasure of the governor.[7]
Duties
The specific duties of the secretary of agriculture, trade, and consumer protection are outlined in Chapter 93.07 of the Wisconsin state code.[5]
Some of the main duties of the office include:[8]
- Regulations: "To make and enforce such regulations, not inconsistent with law, as it may deem necessary for the exercise and discharge of all the powers and duties of the department, and to adopt such measures and make such regulations as are necessary and proper for the enforcement by the state of chs. 93 to 100, which regulations shall have the force of law."
- Forms: "To prescribe forms for all applications, notices and reports required to be made to the department or which are necessary in its work."
- Promotion of agriculture: "To promote the interests of agriculture, dairying, horticulture, manufacturing, commercial fishing and the domestic arts and to advertise Wisconsin and its dairy, food, and agricultural products by conducting campaigns of education throughout the United States and in foreign markets. Such campaigns shall include the distribution of educational and advertising material concerning Wisconsin and its plant, animal, food, and dairy products. The department shall coordinate efforts by the state to advertise and promote agricultural products of this state, with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation where appropriate. The department shall submit its request and plan for market development program expenditures for each biennium with its biennial budget request. The plan shall include the identification and priority of expenditures for each market development program activity.
- State aid to Livestock Breeders Association: To receive and examine, prior to its transmission to the department of administration, the biennial request for state aid of the Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association; to transmit and make recommendations upon this request to the department of administration and the governor; and to advise as to the manner of expending and accounting for state moneys appropriated to that organization."
- Advice to university of Wisconsin system: "To give advice to the state superintendent of public instruction as to the courses in agricultural economics to be given in the University of Wisconsin System."
- Exhibits: "Upon authorization by the governor, to make such public exhibits as will tend to inform the public of the work of the department, and to give such aid in farmers' institutes, dairy and food and farmers' conventions and the agricultural department of the state university as may be deemed advisable."
- Information:
- (a) "To collect from the several counties information concerning the extent, condition and prices of farm crops; the number, conditions of health and value of farm animals; prevailing conditions of weather, and such other information as the department may deem of value to the agricultural interests of the state, and to publish monthly statements of such reports, for free distribution among the farmers and other interested persons of the state."
- (b) "To collect and publish, in the form best calculated to attract to the state desirable immigrants and capital, information relating to the advantages and opportunities offered by this state to the farmer, the merchant, the manufacturer, the home seeker, and the summer visitor. The publication shall be subject to s. 35.29 and shall be in form of circulars, folders and pamphlets, and may be translated and printed in foreign languages; to cause to be inserted in newspapers, magazines and farm papers appropriate notices, and to maintain permanent exhibits in populous centers, if the department shall determine that the best interests of the state will be advanced thereby."
- (c) "To furnish free, in its discretion, copies of the publications printed under its direction to advancement associations, and societies organized to promote immigration and the development and enrichment of the state, when application is made therefore; to furnish other persons such copies as may be requested at the actual cost of printing; and the money received for such copies shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the appropriation from which said cost of printing was paid."
- (d) "To obtain from the heads of the several departments of the state government, the faculty of the state university and the several state institutions, and they are hereby directed to furnish to the department upon request, such information as may be at their command relating to the resources of this state."
Divisions
There are seven main divisions within the Office of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection:[9]
- Updated January 28, 2021
- Division of Agricultural Resource Management
- Division of Agricultural Development
- Division of Animal Health
- Division of Food and Recreational Safety
- Division of Trade and Consumer Protection
- Management Services
- Office of the Secretary
State budget
- See also: Wisconsin state budget and finances
The budget for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Fiscal Year 2025 was $120,112,500.[10]
Compensation
- See also: Compensation of state executive officers
2022
In 2022, the officer's salary was $135,262, according to the Council of State Governments.[11]
2021
In 2021, the secretary received a salary of $132,600, according to the Council of State Governments.[12]
2019
In 2019, the secretary received a salary of $130,000, according to the Council of State Governments.[13]
2018
In 2018, the secretary received a salary of $121,950, according to the Council of State Governments.[14]
2017
In 2017, the secretary received a salary of $121,950, according to the Council of State Governments.[15]
2016
In 2016, the secretary received a salary of $121,950, according to the Council of State Governments.[16]
2015
In 2015, the secretary received a salary $122,415, according to the Council of State Governments.[17]
2014
In 2014, the secretary received a salary of $121,202, according to the Council of State Governments.[18]
2013
In 2013, the secretary's salary remained at $120,000, according to the Council of State Governments.[19]
2012
In 2012, the secretary was paid an estimated $120,000, according to the Council of State Governments.[20]
Historical officeholders
Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches state official websites for chronological lists of historical officeholders; information for the Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has not yet been added because the information was unavailable on the relevant state official websites, or we are currently in the process of formatting the list for this office. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.
Former officeholders
- Brad Pfaff (January-October 2019)
State profile
| Demographic data for Wisconsin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | U.S. | |
| Total population: | 5,767,891 | 316,515,021 |
| Land area (sq mi): | 54,158 | 3,531,905 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White: | 86.5% | 73.6% |
| Black/African American: | 6.3% | 12.6% |
| Asian: | 2.5% | 5.1% |
| Native American: | 0.9% | 0.8% |
| Pacific Islander: | 0% | 0.2% |
| Two or more: | 2.1% | 3% |
| Hispanic/Latino: | 6.3% | 17.1% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate: | 91% | 86.7% |
| College graduation rate: | 27.8% | 29.8% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income: | $53,357 | $53,889 |
| Persons below poverty level: | 15% | 11.3% |
| Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015) Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Wisconsin. **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
Presidential voting pattern
- See also: Presidential voting trends in Wisconsin
Wisconsin voted for the Democratic candidate in five out of the six presidential elections between 2000 and 2020.
Pivot Counties (2016)
Ballotpedia identified 206 counties that voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012. Collectively, Trump won these Pivot Counties by more than 580,000 votes. Of these 206 counties, 23 are located in Wisconsin, accounting for 11.17 percent of the total pivot counties.[21]
Pivot Counties (2020)
In 2020, Ballotpedia re-examined the 206 Pivot Counties to view their voting patterns following that year's presidential election. Ballotpedia defined those won by Trump won as Retained Pivot Counties and those won by Joe Biden (D) as Boomerang Pivot Counties. Nationwide, there were 181 Retained Pivot Counties and 25 Boomerang Pivot Counties. Wisconsin had 21 Retained Pivot Counties and two Boomerang Pivot Counties, accounting for 11.60 and 8.00 percent of all Retained and Boomerang Pivot Counties, respectively.
More Wisconsin coverage on Ballotpedia
- Elections in Wisconsin
- United States congressional delegations from Wisconsin
- Public policy in Wisconsin
- Endorsers in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin fact checks
- More...
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Wisconsin Secretary Agriculture Trade Consumer Protection. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
Contact info
Address:
2811 Agriculture Drive
Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8911
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 8911
Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8911
Phone: (608) 224-5013
Fax: (608) 224-5034
See also
| Wisconsin | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, "Mission, Vision and Core Values," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Antigo Radio, "Evers Taps Romanski as Interim DATCP Secretary," November 8, 2019
- ↑ Wisconsin State Farmer, "Romanski appointed as DATCP Secretary," June 1, 2020
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Senate confirms Gov. Tony Evers' Cabinet members after years in limbo," September 28, 2021
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Wisconsin State Legislature, "Statutes," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin Statutes, "Chapter 15: Structure of the Executive Branch -- Subchapter I: General Provisions, Section 15.05: Secretaries," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin Statutes, "Chapter 15: Structure of the Executive Branch -- Subchapter I: General Provisions, Section 15.05: Secretaries," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin Legislative Documents, "CHAPTER 93: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TRADE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION" accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, "Divisions," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin Legislature, "2023 Wisconsin Act 19, accessed December 6, 2023
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2022 Table 4.11: Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," provided to Ballotpedia by CSG personnel
- ↑ Issuu, "The Book of the States 2021," accessed September 28, 2022
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2019," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2018," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2017," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2016," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2015," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Table 4.11 Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Table 4.11 Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ The raw data for this study was provided by Dave Leip of Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.
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