University of Idaho dean announces retirement, seeks funding for Parma viticulture specialist and CAFE operations

Michael Parrella, dean of the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, told the House Agricultural Affairs Committee on the University of Idaho’s day that he has announced his retirement effective June of this year and asked lawmakers to continue state investment in the land‑grant college.

The dean framed his departure while reviewing the college’s statewide role, citing recent hires, rebuilt research facilities and an ongoing request for two state-funded items: a viticulture and small‑fruits research and extension specialist based at Parma, and 50% of phase‑one operating dollars for the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE).

Parrella said the viticulture specialist would support a growing Idaho wine‑grape industry and perform applied research and extension work statewide while being based at Parma. “We actually have three recognized AVAs in Idaho,” he told the committee, stressing regional differences in wine‑grape production and the need for site‑specific expertise. He said the sector’s farm‑gate value is about $357,000,000.

He described CAFE as dairy‑focused but broadly linked to crop production through rotations and nutrient management; the facility will include a large research herd and clinical rotations for veterinary students. Parrella told lawmakers the college is requesting 50% of phase‑one operating funds—approximately $250,000 under a State Board of Education funding formula—to begin operations and that the facility should be running within roughly a year.

Parrella placed the requests in the context of the land‑grant mission. He traced the college’s roots to the Morrill Act (1862), the Hatch Act (1887) and the Smith‑Lever Act (1914), and said the college has used those foundations to expand extension, research and applied teaching across Idaho. He told the committee the college has hired about 75 faculty during his nine‑year tenure, representing more than a third of the college’s faculty, and that the college now has roughly 220 faculty members, more than half based off campus in county offices and research centers.

The dean also warned about loss of agricultural acreage in Idaho: “From 2017 to 2022, we’ve lost about 140,000 acres of productive agricultural land in the state,” he said, a pace he summarized as roughly “one farm in Idaho every day.” He said that trend increases the urgency of continued investment in agricultural research and extension to maintain productivity and food security.

Parrella emphasized extension and youth programming, noting Idaho 4‑H serves about 75,000 youth statewide with roughly 2,000 volunteers. He described outreach programs that range from Master Gardener training to early childhood nutrition and ag education, and he credited county support—about $6,000,000 annually—for sustaining county extension operations.

Committee members thanked Parrella for his service and asked questions about Parma, the College’s priorities and opportunities in Idaho agriculture. Representative Shirts introduced the committee motion to approve the minutes from Feb. 10, 2025 before presentations began; the motion passed by voice vote.

The College’s presentation also named Rachel Bickerton as director of Government and External Affairs for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Barbara Petty as associate dean and director of University of Idaho Extension; and Melinda Jean Stafford as a development director based in Boise. Parrella said these staff will continue to work with the next dean to maintain the college’s statewide partnerships.

Parrella closed by reiterating the land‑grant mission and asking for continued legislative support of the college’s research, extension and capital projects.

Ending: The committee did not take a formal vote on either the Parma position or the CAFE operating request during this meeting; Parrella said the requests are part of the college’s 2025 enhancements.