University of Idaho agricultural research and extension requests targeted hires, highlights Parma facility and digital‑literacy work

Dean Michael Perella of the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 10 that the college and the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station support agriculture statewide through research, extension and applied programs and requested targeted FY2026 funding for faculty and facility needs.

Perella said the experiment station operates 10 research and extension centers and extension has staff or a presence in 42 of Idaho’s 44 counties and three recognized tribal communities. “We are proud of the quality and impact of the research we conduct, the students we train, and the unbiased information we deliver to the citizens of Idaho,” Perella said.

Why it matters: Agricultural research and university extension connect producers, communities and rural economies to applied science, pest and water management research, youth development through 4‑H and programs aimed at closing the digital divide in rural areas. Committee members…