From our famous potatoes to our vibrant dairy industry, Idaho agriculture fuels our economy, keeps rural communities strong, and feeds the world. However, this critical sector faces real threats. We must address these issues head-on to ensure a sustainable future for our farmers and ranchers.

One of the most pressing challenges is water supply. Recently, Idaho narrowly averted a crisis when surface and groundwater users reached a last-minute agreement to prevent a devastating water curtailment order in Southeast Idaho. This compromise prevented potential economic losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. Nevertheless, chronic instability in our water management remains. 

Idahoans deserve clear, consistent, predictable, and sustainable water policies. We need accurate and enforceable water usage measurements and initiatives that incentivize innovation and better watering practices instead of penalizing them.

While the GOP kicks the can down the road, Democrats are leading on climate-smart agriculture initiatives aimed at helping Idaho’s 24,600 farmers adopt sustainable practices and strengthen food supply chains. Thanks to the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, the University of Idaho secured a historic U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. This project supports 144 farms statewide, promoting resource-efficient practices such as crop rotations and no-till planting. Investments like the USDA’s $19.6 million loan to a potato packing operation in Rupert will expand processing capacity and bring down food costs for families.

We must also be attuned to emerging threats. Idaho’s dairy industry is currently grappling with the ongoing bird flu outbreak. Counties like Minidoka, Jerome, and Cassia have seen dairy herds affected, with significant milk production losses. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has stepped up by reimbursing costs associated with protecting herds from these outbreaks — a crucial lifeline for dairy farmers during this challenging period.

In contrast, some Republican politicians are trying to block the commonsense policies that protect and strengthen our agricultural sector. More than a third of Idaho Senate Republicans and a quarter of House Republicans voted against funding to combat invasive quagga mussels, which pose a catastrophic threat to the waterways farmers and ranchers rely on. Idaho’s Democratic legislators unanimously supported this necessary investment. 

This year, Idaho House and Senate Democrats unanimously supported legislation restricting foreign ownership of our farmland so that we can protect our food supply. Nine Republicans opposed it. In 2022, former Senate Democratic Leader Michelle Stennett introduced a bipartisan bill to address the rural veterinarian shortage. It passed the Senate but was blocked by Republicans in the House Agriculture Committee.

Idaho Democrats stand with our farmers and ranchers, supporting policies that protect and sustain this vital sector. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and ensure that Idaho agriculture continues to thrive for generations to come.

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Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair