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Idaho grape and wine industry asks for university viticulturist and highlights labor, land and distribution barriers
Summary
Representatives of the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission briefed the House Agriculture Affairs Committee on industry growth, economic value and needs including a University of Idaho viticulturist, while outlining challenges in labor, land costs, water and the three‑tier distribution system.
Representatives of the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission told the House Agriculture Affairs Committee the industry has grown in acreage and economic value but faces persistent challenges that state support and research capacity could help address.
Roger Batt, legislative adviser for the commission, summarized industry data and said the commission supports adding a viticulturist to the University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center to provide local research and rapid field response. "We really support having a viticulturist because we don't have one right now to help the industry out," Batt said, citing needs for varietal trials, pest management and on‑site response to…
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