Agriculture Key To Idaho’s Past, Present & Future

When talking about advocating for agriculture, farmers and producers typically chat with people not familiar with the industry.  Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, said as he talks to individuals who move to the state, he reminds them the important role agriculture plays across the Gem State.

He noted, dairy, and agricultural in general, have been the backbones of Idaho's economy for generations, and it will remain that way well into the future.

“Yes, we're going to see some diversification of that," Naerebout said.  "You're going to see some other investments in sectors outside of food production, but especially a valley like Magic Valley, it is all built around food production.  And that is the base of our economy here and provides a lot of stability.”

Farmers Are Working Hard To Find Solutions

Naerebout added those moving the state should make an effort to get to know their local farming community, and find out what production Ag truly is like in the 21st century.

“The majority of the individuals moving into our state are conservatives.  They're fleeing coastal states where they don't feel as comfortable as welcome as they do in Idaho, in a conservative state, and I'd remind them that our Ag producers are conservatives themselves.  And, there's nobody working harder to try and solve the immigration problem than farmers. And between ourselves, Farm Bureau, other groups, we've gone back to D.C. a number of times collectively and continue to work this issue to try and find a pathway forward.”

Naerebout added when it comes to immigration and ag labor, farm country recognizes that the system is broken and needs to be fixed, and they are trying to do everything they can at the local and national levels to make that happen.

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