University of Idaho Ag Research & Extension requests faculty, maintenance funds; dean announces retirement

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Monday, Feb. 10, heard the University of Idaho's Agricultural Research and Extension Service (the land‑grant college's research and extension arm) present its FY2026 budget requests and program highlights. Dean Michael Perella announced he will retire in June and described recent investments and remaining needs across agricultural research, extension and facilities.

Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, reviewed the agency's base budget. Dean Perella and senior college staff described statewide service levels, facility improvements and specific FY2026 requests: $157,900 ongoing for a viticulture and small fruits research faculty position and $250,100 for a portion of building maintenance at the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment.

Perella told the committee the Agricultural Research and Extension Service operates statewide with a presence in 42 of Idaho's 44 counties and three recognized tribal communities, and the Idaho…