As Idaho Changes, Ag Needs To Speak Up

It’s no secret that Idaho’s population continues to grow at a fast pace, with tens of thousands of people moving into the state annually. And many of those brand-new Idahoans aren’t connected to the state’s farm economy, or have a very little familiarity with it.

Photo: Glenn Vaagen

Dexton Lake, Government Affairs Representative at the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, said the population growth has changed the makeup of the state legislature. He acknowledged that the number of lawmakers currently in production Ag, or formerly farmers, is slowly dwindling.

Let's Focus On What We Have In Common

“And people get nervous about that, and I can understand why," Lake said. "But I mean, there are a few things that Democrats and Republicans have in common, but one of those is they eat food.”

Photo: Glenn Vaagen

Lake said that means it’s incumbent upon farm country across the state, to reach out, communicate with their respective lawmakers, and discuss the issues that will impact the boots on the ground.

“Be the educator for them and make sure that voices are heard because we still need our policy to pass and its incumbent on Idaho Agriculture to make sure that they hear from their constituents particularly those that work in agriculture as the makeup of the legislature changes.”

Photo: Glenn Vaagen