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JFAC approves modest increases for University of Idaho extension: viticulture position and facility costs
Summary
The committee approved additions to the Agricultural Research and Extension Service budget including a viticulture faculty position and funding for building operations and maintenance; debate focused on the scope of the viticulture role and the nature of cafe building costs.
Representative Miller moved and the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved funding adjustments for the University of Idaho'based Agricultural Research and Extension Service on Feb. 28. The package as adopted adds one new full-time position and funding for facility operations and maintenance tied to the research cafe, while a substitute motion with a smaller ongoing package was offered and considered before the committee adopted the original combined motion.
Representative Miller said the funding package included support for a viticulture position that would serve small-fruit and grape growers and help develop practices tuned to Idaho soils and climate. "The viticulture position serves all kinds of small fruits and whatnot. My largest interest was aiding in wine production," Miller said, noting she believed Idaho has "fantastic potential" for wine and small-fruit crops. Senator Ward Engelking, and others, emphasized the role would also serve table-grape and small-berry growers, citing local needs for research on huckleberries, strawberries and raspberries.
Committee discussion also addressed $250,100 requested for cafe building maintenance. Representative Miller characterized some of the building request as operational costs to get a facility ready for use; other members raised concern about ongoing funding for construction-level maintenance. After substitute and original motions were read and clarified on the record, the committee voted. The recorded tally: Senate votes 8 ayes, 2 nays; House votes 7 ayes, 3 nays, for a total of 15 ayes and 5 nays. The committee carried a due-pass recommendation to the floor.
Ending: The committee approved the combined package and asked the University of Idaho extension to provide a business plan showing how the facility and new position will contribute to longer-term sustainability.
