Simpson Secures Funding for Agricultural Research in Kimberly, Idaho

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today highlighted the inclusion of the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) Project in the FY23 Omnibus package that was signed into law December 29, 2022.

The project was included in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill at Congressman Simpson’s request through Community Project Funding (CPF).

“Throughout my time in Congress I have continually pushed to limit the growth of the federal budget and fought back against Democrats’ efforts to freely increase spending with no consideration for the long-term health of our nation.  But congressionally directed spending is not more spending,” said Simpson.  “Congressionally directed spending gives Idahoans an important voice in determining where the budgeted funding goes.  No bureaucrat in Washington, DC, knows Idaho the way you and I do, which is why I will always fight to bring tax dollars back home to Idaho, rather than leaving the decision up to federal agencies to distribute in other states.”

The $1 million in funding is designated to support the collaboration between the University of Idaho and the Agriculture Research Service’s facility (USDA-ARS) in Kimberly.  Researchers at USDA-ARS in Kimberly work closely with the University of Idaho faculty to protect the sustainability of agriculture, identify ways to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses, improve the health of soil and quality of water, and increase the efficiency of irrigation while supporting the critical economic drive in Idaho agricultural production.  Funding will be prioritized for facilities and equipment that will aid ARS scientists in determining the extent of the impact of dairy production on the environment such that solutions can be credibly developed.

“Our state’s history, economy, and culture have been shaped by farmers and ranchers, and I consider it one of my most important responsibilities to ensure that Idaho’s agriculture sector can continue to thrive in the future,” said Simpson.  “The research conducted there in partnership with the University of Idaho will increase the sustainability and efficiency of Idaho agriculture.”

“This investment is critical to the success of the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment and, in turn, the continued success of Idaho’s dairy industry.  At its core, the primary goal for Idaho CAFE is to answer pressing questions about the dairy industry’s environmental impact – questions that revolve around nutrient management, or what comes out of the back end of the cow,” said Michael P. Parrella, Dean of the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.  “This facility will go a long way in providing new tools for Idaho’s dairy industry and we appreciate Congressman Simpson’s commitment to investing in the cutting-edge research and solutions that are fundamental to a thriving Idaho.”

“As a former dairyman, I understand the importance successful nutrient management bears on the future of Idaho’s dairy industry.  As dairymen face mounting pressures to improve the sustainability of their operations, the University of Idaho will be poised to deliver research-based solutions they can put into practice thanks in large part to Congressman Simpson’s work to secure much needed federal funding.  The support is very much appreciated,” said John Wright, Dairy Producer and U of I CAFE Project Manager.

“The Idaho Dairy Industry generates $10.7 billion in total sales and is a huge contributor to the Idaho economy creating more than 33,000 jobs,” said Rick Nearabout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen’s Association.  “The Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment will provide vital research and support to our industry.  Congressman Simpson has always supported our producers and securing $1 million in federal funding is another example of his leadership and commitment.  We look forward to seeing this project to completion.”

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