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University of Idaho leaders seek continued support for agricultural research and extension; broadband outreach and Parma lab cited
Summary
Dean Michael Perella briefed JFAC on the Agricultural Research and Extension Service’s FY2026 requests including $157,900 for viticulture research and $250,100 for building maintenance. Perella highlighted a new Parma research lab, extension outreach numbers and a federal broadband literacy project tied to rural digital inclusion.
Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, presented an overview of the Agricultural Research and Extension Service’s base budget and FY2026 requests to the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 10. Dean Michael Perella, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho, and senior college staff answered committee questions.
Campbell said the research arm — the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station — operates 10 research and extension centers and has access to roughly 14,000 acres for field research. He reported a current full‑time equivalent staff count of about 341.33 FTP and said roughly 81% of service expenditures are in personnel, with operating costs at about 10% and capital outlay at about 9.1%.
The service’s FY2026 budget requests include $157,900 ongoing for a viticulture and small fruits research faculty position and $250,100 for a…
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