John Foltz, interim dean of the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences requesting changes and increased funds to agriculture at UI during his presentation to the Joint Financial and Appropriations Committee as part of education week.
The Agricultural Research and Extension Service appropriation is a separate line item from UI, meaning they present their budget separately to JFAC.
Foltz said last year, ARES received an additional $325,000 through JFAC, which covered operating costs to update equipment and resources for employees.
“We really appreciate the legislature supporting us with our appropriation last year,” Foltz said.
He said Moscow is not the only area effected by UI’s agricultural efforts. Researchers on campus and around the state create solutions for problems people have. The extension faculty takes what researchers develop and deliver it to stakeholders.
“We have broad statewide reach,” Foltz said. “And we deliver our programs throughout the state.”
Foltz said Idaho agriculture accounts for approximately 20 to 25 percent of the state’s economy in terms of inputs, outputs and food processing across the state.
UI also helps run the state’s 4-H program, which involves students in a variety of different projects, hoping to spark an interest in higher education.
“It’s not just in the agricultural sciences program,” Foltz said. “It’s in nutrition, it’s in science, it’s in a whole variety of areas that those students and young people can get involved in.”
Foltz said their first goal is to foster systematic growth by maintaining and enhancing Idaho’s workforce.
“4-H is a great example of a pipeline to higher education,” Foltz said.
Foltz’s request to JFAC includes about $24 million for the ARES appropriation.
Foltz said salaries and fringe benefits cover about 90 percent of the total funds for ARES. At most universities, these cover about 85 percent.
Foltz said Otter has recognized the importance of agricultural research and extension to the economy and supports rebuilding the infrastructure and providing operating funds for personnel.
Otter’s request includes an increase in $5 million in the next five years in the appropriation. Foltz said Otter also requests $1 million, which would bring a return investment of $1.70 for every dollar invested for research and extension across the state.
The breakdown of about $1 million includes $650,000 toward operating expense, $350,000 for capitol outlay, $13,600 for occupancy costs and $130,000 toward employee benefit costs.
“This allows us to do our job, to give our people the resources that they need,” Foltz said.
Emily Johnson can be reached at [email protected]