STATUS : AMENDED VERSION OF THE BILL WAS SIGNED INTO LAW BY THE GOVERNOR ON MARCH 28 AND WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2024.
This new measure will allow for a willing & qualified landowner to designate land that will remain in production agriculture for a period of 20 years. You can read full bill text HERE.
Background: H0608 amends Idaho code to provide for agricultural protection areas to qualified applicants. The intention is to protect the important benefits of sustaining Idaho’s economy, food production, and wildlife habitat as provided by production agriculture. With the rapid population growth, many working production ag operations are being lost or converted, with limited resources to protect these property rights. A qualified applicant is defined as someone who owns 5 acres or more and has a documented history of production agriculture for a time frame of no less than 3 consecutive previous years. This measure additionally provides guidelines for the addition of an ag protection commission operating and collaborating on a local level with the appropriate governing body.
Why is this important to cattle producers in Idaho?
Production agriculture is a primary driver of the state economy, with livestock being the number one commodity input. This legislation allows not only provides a voluntary option to preserve qualified ag land for a period of 20 years, but it enhances property rights of the individual and supports Idaho’s right to farm.
Does ICA support this proposed bill?
Yes. ICA supports this proposed legislation, per our member policy that is in favor of protecting private property rights, as well as the right to farm on local, state and federal levels.
How do I take action?
You can participate in one of the below actions to have an impact as an individual. ICA will continue to submit comments on issues as a representative of its members, but this is a quick and easy way to submit comments as an individual. Individual comments will be submitted to all members of the Idaho State Senate. If you have already submitted comments previously, we encourage you to submit again, as the audience changes with each step of the legislative process.
