Anne Haws — Moved to approve the minutes of Monday, February 2nd, 2026.
Andrea Thompson — Andrea Thompson was introduced and then identified herself as the administrator for the Plant Industries Division at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. She stated that she was there to present on the rules governing the production and distribution of seed, docket 020601, 2501.
Andrea Thompson — Introduces the next docket and identifies herself as Administrator for the Plant Industries Division at ISDA.
Andrea Thompson — Introduces docket 02-0602-2501 and explains that it covers registration and licensing for commercial feeds, fertilizers, and soil and plant amendments.
Andrea Thompson — Concludes her presentation and offers to answer questions.
Andrea Thompson — Begins presenting the beans planting rule docket.
Andrea Thompson — Explains that the bean planting rule docket stems from a 2025 industry petition and clarifies requirements for edible bean seeds brought into Idaho.
Andrea Thompson — Confirms that the green and yellow tag definitions existed in the rule and that the distinction is correct.
Andrea Thompson — Begins presenting the invasive species and noxious weeds temporary rule docket.
Tammy Nichols — The committee proceeds to the next docket item, with the chair being addressed and recognized as the motion is called and discussion begins.
Douglas Pickett — Douglas Pickett is involved in the committee’s docket-approval proceedings: one mention references a motion already before the body to approve docket 02-0601-2501, and the later mention captures Pickett formally moving to approve docket 02-0602-2501.
Steve Miller — Asks whether green and yellow tags distinguish Idaho-grown from non-Idaho-grown seed.
Steve Miller — Representative Miller was called on by the chair and then responded by moving to approve docket number 02-0609-2503.
David Cannon — Representative David Cannon moves to approve docket 02-0606-2501.
David Cannon — Representative Cannon asks how the golden mussel reached northern California from Southeast China and follows up by asking whether there is any indication it was intentionally deployed.
Shawn Dygert — Representative Shawn Dygert asks whether golden mussels have been found in Idaho and then moves to adopt the temporary rule docket. Later remarks from Ms. Thompson reference Dygert’s question and respond that the issue is not present, with discussion shifting to zebra mussels as part of the same exchange.
Ms. Thompson — Confirms that golden mussel has not been found in Idaho.
Ms. Thompson — Says the pathway is unknown but likely involved contaminated water from a boat or bilge.
Ms. Thompson — Says intentional deployment is unknown and not stated to the department.
Ms. Thompson — Described zebra mussels as having a fine zebra-like pattern on their shell and said they are small.
Ms. Thompson — Confirmed zebra mussels are small and have a fine zebra-like shell pattern.
Ms. Thompson — Said she was unaware of any federal action and would follow up later.
Ms. Thompson — Acknowledged the comment and said it would be included in the program update discussion.
Ms. Thompson — Said she had nothing additional to add on the rule.
Lori McCann — Begins a question about a zebra mussel.
Carrie Semmelroth — Representative McCann asked about zebra mussels, specifically whether they are small and not large in size.
Jack Nelsen — Representative Nelson asked where the invasive species are coming from, noting that Mead and Powell are infested and questioning what federal agencies are doing at the source reservoirs. He followed up by asking whether more quarantining and disinfecting is being done there, and argued that treating the problem at the source is more logical than relying only on border inspections or interception.
David Leavitt — Representative Leavitt thanked the chair, said he looks forward to the upcoming species update, and noted he has concerns about invasive species treatment and enforcement. He added that treatment in one of his favorite fishing spots has decimated the fish population and said he will bring up questions during the update.