Cheese! Bill requires UW to use state products

by Michael Evert

Tuesday, March 4, 2008 22:15

A new proposal in the state Assembly would require all cheese served in University of Wisconsin System campuses to come exclusively from Wisconsin cheese manufacturers. Currently, contracts and orders for cheese give preference to Wisconsin producers but do not insist cheese come only from Wisconsin. The proposal, written by Rep. Jeff Smith, D-Eau Claire, aims to assist Wisconsin cheese producers as well as provide UW System students with “flavorful” Wisconsin cheese.

Nate Williams, legislative aide for Smith, described the twofold purpose of the bill.

“We do want to help the dairy industry in the state,” Williams said. “We also want to provide UW System students with high-quality Wisconsin cheese that students would enjoy eating.” Williams added the proposal is unique in that no other law mandates a product served on UW System campuses come exclusively from Wisconsin. However, Williams did say the proposed cheese bill would follow similar initiatives around the state, such as the “Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin” movement that encourages Wisconsinites to consume locally grown and produced goods.

Williams also mentioned the intended cultural aim of eating cheese exclusively from Wisconsin.

“This bill will hopefully build loyalty and support for Wisconsin cheese among college students, which is important,” he said.

Williams believed the proposal would not get a vote before the end of the legislative session in mid-March, but was optimistic of the bill’s future.

“The proposal has bipartisan support, and I believe it has a very good chance of passage,” he said.

Cheese production is an integral part of Wisconsin’s economy. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state in the country as of 2006. The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board says Wisconsin makes more than 600 varieties of cheese, eclipsing its nearest competitor, California, by more than 300.

Allie Johnson, a University of Wisconsin freshman, said the idea would evoke cheese pride among Wisconsin college students.                                                                     

“I think if we only have Wisconsin cheese, it would make me and other Wisconsin students very proud of our state,” she said.

Paul Evans, director of University Housing, declined to comment on the proposal.