David Leavitt — Jared Stewart presented two related Idaho State Department of Agriculture rule dockets during the meeting. First, he introduced the weights and measures rule, described the program’s staffing and workload, explained inspection volumes, rejection and recheck rates, and noted additional duties such as consumer complaints and calibration testing. He then outlined metrology lab certification work and described rule updates made through zero-based rulemaking, including negotiated rulemaking meetings, citation updates, removal of duplicative language, and added clarification language, followed by questions about how rejected devices are retested and returned to service. After that docket was completed, he remained on the agenda to present the Organic Food Products Rule, explaining the program’s background and participant-funded structure and noting that the update was mainly to refresh the CFR incorporation-by-reference citation. He concluded by inviting questions, and the committee thanked him before moving on.
David Leavitt — No, this section does not mention him directly; the transcript likely intended Representative Nelson and then Mr. Slaybaw responding.
David Leavitt — Raised concern that the regulation could push small farmers out of the market due to compliance costs.
Jerald Raymond — Jerald Raymond was called on and then asked a series of related follow-up questions seeking clarification about the rejection and recheck statistics for scales. He asked whether 6% rejected with 66% of those rechecked meant that 34% were not returned to service, and then confirmed whether all rejected scales that are put back into service are re-inspected.
Jerald Raymond — Likely a mis-transcription of the chair being addressed during the question period.
Douglas Pickett — Moved to approve docket 02-0214-2501.
Brian Slabaw — Brian Slabaw was introduced as the presenter for the pesticide and chemigation docket, then identified himself as the division administrator for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Resources Division and began presenting docket item 02-0303-2501. He provided background on the program, explaining that it was established in 1976 and sets licensing standards, pesticide labeling requirements, and procedures for the handling, use, and disposal of pesticides.
Dan Garner — Representative Garner asked about the proposed fee change, questioning whether the increase was due to moving from a two-year to a five-year fee schedule or simply because the fees had not been updated since 1976. The exchange continued with a follow-up and acknowledgment before yielding to another member.
Dan Garner — The transcript appears to refer to Representative Garner earlier in the exchange, but here the speaker is Representative Nelson; no new Garner content in this section.
David Cannon — David Cannon was recognized and then moved to approve docket 02-0633-2501, prompting the committee’s consideration and approval of the docket.
John Shirts — John Shirts is introduced as the vice chair who will take over chairing the rules portion of the meeting, and the transition is immediately confirmed as he assumes the chair.
Don Hall — Representative Hall is absent and wished well in recovery.
Mr. Jared Seward — Jared Seward is introduced as the presenter from the Idaho Department of Agriculture.
Jared Stewart — Jared Stewart identifies himself as administrator for the Agricultural Inspections Division and introduces the stone fruit rules docket.
Jared Stewart — Jared Stewart begins presenting the next docket on bulk permits and retail sale of potatoes.
Lori McCann — Representative McCann is called on and then moves to recommend that the full committee approve docket number 0205-2-2501.
Mr. Stewart — Mr. Stewart is thanked and invited by the committee to answer questions, with the chair repeating the invitation to ask him questions on the docket.
Robert Beiswenger — Representative Beiswenger is identified in the exchange and then asks to make a motion to approve the docket.
Mr. Slaybaw / Brian Slabaw — Mr. Slaybaw explained that the proposal was not intended to increase the fee, noting that the cost was averaged over a five-year period. He then described the proposed two-to-one ratio for restricted-use pesticide applications, while allowing more flexibility for general-use pesticides and possibly drones. Finally, he clarified that Idaho Code distinguishes between private and professional applicators, and that private applicators may apply pesticides without direct supervision in some circumstances.
Jack Nelsen — Representative Nelson questioned whether the proposed rule that one licensed applicator can supervise only two people would work for drone operations and family farms. He expressed concern that many farms already have licensed applicators supervising several workers, noted that he would not be the right person to drive a drone, and worried about codifying rules that determine who can operate the drone and how large the support crew can be.
Mr. Slaybop / Brian Slabaw — Explained the fee calculation based on the average annual cost of the two-year license over five years.
Carrie Semmelroth — Carrie Semmelroth (Representative McCann) participated in the meeting by making a motion to recommend approval of the docket and offering a positive comment about drone use in agriculture. Shortly afterward, the chair acknowledged her light, indicating continued participation in the same procedural discussion.
David Cannon — Representative Stone is welcomed to the meeting, thanked for being present, and noted as substituting for Representative Hall.