Joint committee approves University of Idaho agricultural research and extension funding, including viticulture position and building costs

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee voted Feb. 28 to add funding for the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension Service for fiscal 2026, supporting a viticulture/faculty researcher position and building‑related costs for the college café.

Representative Tom Miller moved the initial proposal to add $408,000 from the General Fund and 1.43 full‑time equivalent positions for FY2026. Representative Sandra Carlson offered a substitute motion to add $250,100 ongoing and 0.43 FTE for café building maintenance and personnel. After debate, the committee approved the motion on a roll call.

The debate focused on two items. Representative Miller framed the viticulture position as broader than wine production, saying the hire would serve small fruit producers and help growers with soil and nutrition research; he added, “My largest interest was, aiding in wine production,” but emphasized wider applicability. Senator Ward Engelking and other members noted the position supports table grapes, berries and regionally unique crops such as huckleberries and argued local growers requested the research.

Opponents raised concerns about state funding for work some described as supporting private business activity. Senator Groh said he would vote against items he considered outside the state’s role.

Vote and next steps The motion carried in committee. Roll calls recorded 8 ayes and 2 nays in the Senate committee and 7 ayes and 3 nays in the House committee for a combined total of 15 ayes, 5 nays; the motion passed with a due‑pass recommendation to the floors. The committee also approved the proposed language by unanimous consent and asked the agency to return with a business plan for sustainability of the facility.

Context Committee members discussed wanting the café facility to become self‑sustaining and requested the University of Idaho provide a business plan showing how the program would move off one‑time or supplemental state support. The record notes the Parma extension program as a capability center for the viticulture work and cites community outreach by local organizations such as Children’s Village as examples of local fundraising activity.

Speakers quoted in this article are listed in the speaker section below; votes and roll calls are taken verbatim from the committee transcript and recorded above.