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Legislators approve $408,000 boost for agricultural research; viticulture researcher and cafe building funds added
Summary
JFAC approved a motion adding $408,000 and 1.43 FTE to the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension budget, funding a viticulture faculty position and building costs for a campus cafe; the motion passed with bipartisan majorities in both chambers’ budget panels.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 28 approved an enhancement package for the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension Service that adds funding for a viticulture researcher position and for cafe building maintenance at an experiment facility.
Representative Miller moved the package, asking JFAC to add $408,000 from the General Fund and 1.43 full‑time equivalent positions for fiscal year 2026. The motion combined two requests: $157,900 for a viticulture faculty researcher and $250,100 for cafe building costs. The committee’s substitute motion proposed a smaller ongoing package; after debate the committee adopted the $408,000 figure and accompanying position allocation.
Representative Miller said the viticulture position “serves all kinds of small fruits” and will support table grapes, berries and wine producers in Idaho. Senator Ward Engelking and other members pressed that the viticulture work would help growers of table grapes, huckleberries and other small fruits, not only commercial winemakers. Senator Carlson, who offered a substitute motion, stressed that the cafe building request is an operational cost necessary to get a facility ready for use.
Roll calls were completed in both chambers’ budget panels. The committee reported the motion passed with a combined committee tally of 15 ayes and 5 nays (Senate finance: 8–2; House appropriations: 7–3). With the majority in each chamber’s budget panel voting to approve, JFAC gave the item a due‑pass recommendation to the floors.
Committee members asked that the university provide the committee with a business plan and program details as part of ongoing oversight. Senator Carlson noted the committee wants to see how the facility will move toward financial sustainability and said the committee will review the business plan going forward.
Language associated with the appropriation was accepted by unanimous consent.
