House Ag Committee introduces growers' bill to expand alfalfa and clover seed commission

Representative Sean Dygert, District 23, told the House Agriculture Affairs Committee that RS 32,251 came from the alfalfa and clover seed growers seeking changes to their commodity commission. "This is the growers requesting this increase of what they're getting," Dygert said, adding the measure would let the commission partner with the University of Idaho on research projects.

The bill proposal would raise the commission's assessment cap and alter board composition. Dygert described the main changes as increasing board membership from six to seven, reducing the number of grower seats from six to five, and adding one representative from the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. "The reason for part of their increase in the cap of their assessment is so that they can do and partner with the University of Idaho on research projects," he said.

Committee members discussed a needed wording correction in the bill's statement of purpose. Dygert acknowledged a typo in the draft: language intended to refer to a quarter-cent was misstated as "point $2.05 cents." Representative McCann moved to introduce the RS with the amendments Dygert described. Representative McCann moved to introduce RS 32,251 with the corrections; the motion was seconded and, with no further discussion, the committee approved the motion to introduce. "All those in favor of introducing RS 32,251 say aye," the chair said; the motion passed.

The measure is being introduced at the request of the grower group; Dygert and others emphasized it does not represent a legislative-initiated assessment increase but a growers' request to change the commission's authority and structure. The committee did not take a final vote on any assessments or policy changes beyond introducing the requested legislation for further consideration.