Julie VanOrden — Moved to approve the minutes of January 27, 2026.
Christy Zito — Vice Chair Zito is called on after Senator Cole's questions.
Christy Zito — Vice Chair Zito is addressed as part of the exchange.
Christy Zito — Vice Chair Zito is thanked for turning the time back to the chair.
Andrea Thompson — Andrea Thompson, Administrator of the Plant Industries Division at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, introduced herself and her role, then explained that she was appearing to present the rules governing production and distribution of seed under docket number 020601-2501.
Andrea Thompson — Began responding that standardization is needed for export purposes.
Andrea Thompson — Introduced herself and presented the rules governing registrations and licenses.
Andrea Thompson — Introduced herself and presented the rules governing the planting of beans.
Andrea Thompson — Introduced herself as administrator for the Plant Industries Division at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and presented the invasive species and noxious weeds rules.
Todd Lakey — Senator Lakey questioned why external standards are incorporated by reference, what benefit that provides to the state, and why such standards are not typically dated. The discussion explained the need to standardize and then continued into how updates to incorporated standards are handled, including reference to the annual updating of the AAFCO manual as an example of how the standards stay current.
Todd Lakey — Senator Lakey thanks Ms. Thompson and asks about the timing and purpose of the rule, including whether it is specific to this year, when it was put in place, why it is being considered now, and whether it should include a sunset date if it is temporary. The question is deferred to Deputy Director Knight, who begins responding. Later, after the explanation, Senator Lakey raises a related follow-up about seed standards and why some incorporated standards do not have a publication date, prompting Knight to acknowledge the concern.
Todd Lakey — Senator Todd Lakey was called on and asked questions about Mormon cricket eradication in his district, including whether non-agricultural producers such as ranchers and residents can coordinate with the department. He then followed up by asking whether federal agencies respond more effectively than private landowners and how federal response could be improved, and Mr. Knight responded directly to his concerns.
Todd Lakey — Asked about sugar beet exports/import rules and whether the market ratio is off.
Todd Lakey — Asked whether federal action could provide relief for local growers.
Todd Lakey — Asked about declining sugar demand and possible industry innovation.
Ms. Thompson — Explained that export standards vary by organization and that germination claims must meet agreed-upon minimums for international shipment.
Ms. Thompson — Explained that the referenced standards are rolling publications updated multiple times per year.
Ms. Thompson — Called back to present the next docket.
Ms. Thompson — Called to present the rules governing the planting of beans.
Dave Lent — No direct mention in this section.
Dave Lent — Senator Lent asked about farmer bridge assistance payments by state, including whether such payments are likely and what impact they might have on the market. The response addressed the question as part of the same discussion.
Tammy Nichols — Chairwoman Nichols is thanked as the meeting returns to her.
Tammy Nichols — Addressed as chair during the question and answer exchange.
Lloyd Knight — Identified himself as Deputy Director at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and began an overview of pest authorities.
Mr. Knight — The Chair thanked Mr. Knight and opened the floor for committee questions.
Mr. Knight — Mr. Knight explained that the department traditionally targets agricultural producers, including ranchers, but faces challenges when infestations start on federal land.
Mr. Knight — Mr. Knight said federal responsiveness depends on the agency and administration, and that the department tries to maintain ongoing long-term conversations with federal agencies.
Mr. Knight — Was asked to explain how GIS could be made available for public submissions.
Mr. Knight — Thanked for his presentation before the committee moved to the next witness.
Carrie Semmelroth — Senator Carrie Semmelroth asked about GIS capabilities and noted that rats are present in her district, explaining that the issue came up at her first town hall. She asked how Idahoans could contribute data through the GIS process, emphasizing interest in public participation in data collection. The exchange concluded with thanks for her comments and participation.
Mr. Wilder — Introduced as the next presenter on the financial condition of Idaho agriculture.
Mr. Wilder — The chair thanked Mr. Wilder, praised him as highly knowledgeable about the economy and agriculture, and encouraged committee members to contact him with any questions.
Brett Wilder — Introduced himself as an assistant professor and area extension educator with the University of Idaho and said he would summarize the high points.
Ron Taylor — Seconded the motion to approve the minutes.
Ron Taylor — No direct mention in this section.
Ron Taylor — Noted as having pointed out a typo in the speaker's notes.
Ron Taylor — Senator Ron Taylor commented that the issue appears to fall under abatement district authority rather than invasive species authority, and asked whether creating an abatement district would be a more timely way to address rat eradication given that county commissioners and other state officials may already have authority. His comment was acknowledged by the chair/other speaker.
Christy Zito — Will conduct the committee's rules agenda after the gavel is passed.
Christy Zito — Addressed as part of the response to the question about dated incorporations by reference.