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JFAC funds partial Agricultural Research & Extension request, including viticulture researcher and cafe maintenance
Summary
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved additional general fund money and FTE for the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research & Extension service, including a viticulture faculty position and funding for cafe building maintenance, after debating scope and ongoing funding expectations.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved additions to the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research & Extension Service budget on Feb. 28, adding staff and operating dollars the committee said will support grower needs for grapes and small fruits while also addressing a campus cafe building maintenance request.
Kevin Campbell, a legislative budget analyst, summarized the land‑grant research mission and the packet before the committee. Representative Kevin Miller moved to add $408,000 from the General Fund and 1.43 full‑time equivalent positions for FY2026, which would fund a viticulture faculty researcher and building/cafe maintenance. Representative Sandra Carlson offered a substitute motion to add $250,100 ongoing and 0.43 FTE; committee discussion focused on the scope and precedent for the viticulture position and whether building readiness costs were operational or maintenance.
Proponents said the viticulture position would support table grapes and a range of small fruits—strawberries, raspberries and huckleberries—along with wine grapes, emphasizing Idaho‑specific soil and climate research. Senator Ward Engelking and other members noted the extension offices have the capacity and that growers in southwestern Idaho and other areas have sought research and extension support. Those who opposed questioned whether state funds should subsidize what some called private or business‑oriented research.
The committee approved the combined motion as presented by Representative Miller and seconded by Senator Ward Engelking. The roll call showed the Senate committee vote at 8 ayes and 2 nays and the House committee vote at 7 ayes and 3 nays, producing a combined due‑pass recommendation of 15 ayes and 5 nays. Members also approved the motion to accept the draft language associated with the action by unanimous consent.
Ending: The approved funds will be transmitted to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation. Committee members said they expect the extension program to prepare business‑sustainability information about the cafe facility and how the new position will serve Idaho growers.
