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Idaho grape and wine industry asks lawmakers for research support, flags land, labor and water pressures
Summary
Representatives of the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission briefed the House Agriculture Affairs Committee on industry growth, economic value and challenges; they urged support for a University of Idaho viticulturist position and described dependence on grants and marketing work to expand markets.
Roger Batt, legislative adviser for the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission, told the House Agriculture Affairs Committee the state’s grape and wine industry has expanded in recent years but faces land loss, water and labor challenges and lacks a dedicated viticulturist at the University of Idaho.
"We have over 1,350 acres of vineyard statewide and 70 vineyard sites that exist," Batt said, and he told the committee the industry’s total economic value for 2022 was about $314,000,000, citing the commission’s most recent data. Batt said American Viticultural Areas have been established in Idaho (Snake River Valley, Eagle Foothills and Lewis and Clark AVAs) and that AVA designations are regulated by the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
Batt said the commission supports…
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