Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Idaho grape and wine industry urges new U of I viticulturist, cites growth and reliance on grants
Summary
Industry representatives told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee that Idaho’s grape and wine sector has grown in acreage and economic impact but relies heavily on specialty crop grants and outside educators. They asked the Legislature to support a University of Idaho Parma viticulturist position and related funding.
The Idaho Grape and Wine Commission told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee on Jan. 30 that the state’s grape and wine industry has expanded in acreage and economic value but needs state support for research and education.
Roger Batt, who identified himself as representing the Idaho Grape and Wine Commission, said an economic study using 2022 figures put the industry’s total economic impact at about $314.1 million, with roughly 1,350 acres of vineyards, 70 vineyard sites statewide and nearly 2,800 tons of grapes harvested in 2023. “We would really benefit from that new position to be filled at U of I Parma,” Batt said, referring to a viticulturist post he said the industry needs for on‑the‑ground research and education.
The commission described the history and marketing advantages of Idaho’s designated American Viticulture Areas, including the Snake River AVA, Eagle Foothills and Lewis and Clark Valley AVA. The commission noted the Snake River AVA is a very large AVA and that federal Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau AVA recognition helps…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
