Farming Community Needs To Educate Those Not Familiar With Ag

For several years, Idaho has reported one of the fastest growing populations in the country, and with forecasts predicting that population growth to maintain around 1.5% through 2034, that trend will not change anytime soon.  Chanel Tewalt, Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture said as the demographic make of the Gem state changes and evolves, it is vital that producers educate the public about their industry and the challenges they face.

“You hear it all the time and your show says it all the time; food doesn't magically appear on your plate," Tewalt noted.  "There's a really complex and difficult process to get there. And I hope folks, you know, on the consumer side, on the side of new Idahoans, I hope they put some of the work in to understand how that system works.  I say system, but I want to really, really emphasize this isn't just work. It is a way of life for people. And I hope they understand that food production is this incredibly honored, noble thing and not just a business."

When it comes to the remaining portion of 2025, Tewalt expects a busy fall, with the conclusion of harvest, trade trips overseas, and the start of commodity meetings.

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