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University of Idaho agricultural research, extension briefed JFAC on facilities, staffing and digital literacy grants
Summary
Dean Michael Perella and University of Idaho officials described increases in personnel and infrastructure funding for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, requested faculty lines for viticulture and small fruits, and described extension efforts in adult computer literacy supported by ARPA and a pending FCC grant application.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 10 received a briefing on the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension Service and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), including facilities investments, faculty requests, and extension programs that target rural digital literacy.
Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, summarized the service’s budget and noted the research arm manages 10 research and extension centers across the state and more than 14,000 acres for research and experimentation. He said personnel make up roughly 81% of the service’s expenditures.
Michael Perella, dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, introduced college leadership and told the committee he plans to retire in June after nine years as dean. Perella highlighted recent infrastructure investments — including the new Idaho Center for Plant and Soil Health at Parma — and asked lawmakers to sustain…
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