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University of Idaho agricultural research and extension outlines requests, highlights Parma facility and rural digital outreach
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension Service present its FY2026 requests, including a viticulture and small-fruits research faculty request, facility maintenance needs, and continued work on rural adult computer-literacy projects tied to ARPA and potential FCC funding.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee received a Feb. 10 briefing on the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension Service base budget and FY2026 requests, with college leaders highlighting new faculty needs, recent facility investments and expansion of extension digital-literacy work in rural communities.
Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, summarized the service’s statewide footprint—research and extension presence in 42 of Idaho’s 44 counties and three recognized tribal communities, 10 research centers with access to over 14,000 acres, and a current full-time-equivalent count near 341.3 FTP.
Michael Perella, dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), told lawmakers he is retiring in June but praised recent legislative support for new facilities and faculty and described the college’s research and extension role. “Idaho agriculture…
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