Idaho AG Day at the Capitol

On Jan 13^th visitors got a taste of Idaho Agriculture on the floor of the rotunda inside the state capitol building in Boise. Dozens of folks showed off a variety of foods produced in Idaho to both the public and state legislators to demonstrate the importance of farming and ranching in the state. The event was hosted by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Verbatim:

Chanel Tewalt, Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture:

We're celebrating Idaho AG day at the Capitol. It's a great chance to talk to lawmakers and everyone else who comes to the State House about the importance of agriculture. Ag remains the strongest driver of Idaho's economy, but just as importantly, it’s part of our communities. It really is what makes Idaho, Idaho. We're so delighted to have commodity commissions and associations here with us to show off the wonderful products here produced in Idaho. We've got everything from beef to cake made with beans, we've got lamb and barley stew, we've got cheese, we've got wheat, we've got sugar, we've got great products to share. And it’s so important because I think we talk about agriculture, but it's wonderful for lawmakers to also come through and to put together a plate of everything made in Idaho.

We have dozens of folks participating today, either formally or somewhat informally, to provide information to provide treats, food. We’ve got producers down here, we've got associations, commissions, so it's really a great showing from Idaho AG. The Department of AG is really happy to help coordinate that response. We were so thankful to see the governor, Lieutenant governor, the Secretary of State, obviously a ton of legislators coming through, so it's great chance to have conversation.

Agriculture is still supreme in Idaho, we know that. But there are truly fewer and fewer people directly involved with the industry. So even though it’s the biggest driver of our economy, even though is what builds communities, even though it's what contributes to jobs, not everyone has a direct correlation anymore to a farm or ranch. So this is a great way by feeding them to have a conversation, to have a really good interaction with someone, to talk about where the food comes from.