2025 Legislative Session

FARE Idaho's Advocacy

Our Commitment to Supporting Bills that Strengthen Local Producers and Businesses

FARE Idaho is dedicated to championing policies that bolster the state’s independent food and agriculture industry. As this year’s legislative session unfolds, we’re actively advocating for key measures that support local producers and businesses.

FARE Idaho supports:

🔹 SB 1026 (Chicken Bill, Sen. Nichols) – Aims to ease restrictions on small-scale poultry ownership, empowering households, homesteaders, and independent farmers to expand local food production with fewer barriers.

- Failed in House Agricultural Affairs.

🔹 SB 1063 (Small-Scale Livestock, Sen. Nichols) – Focuses on giving small livestock producers greater flexibility in direct-to-consumer sales, fostering stronger rural economies and improving local food access.

🔹 SB 1033 (Right to Farm Expansion, Sen. Lakey) – Strengthens protections for farmers against nuisance lawsuits, ensuring they can continue operations without unwarranted legal challenges, reinforcing Idaho’s commitment to agriculture.

- Passed Senate (33-0-2), now in House Ag Affairs.

🔹 HB 144 (Entrepreneurial Support, Rep. Monks) – Supports new businesses and early entrepreneurs across all industries, fostering innovation and economic growth throughout Idaho. This bill helps reduce barriers to market entry by improving access to local sales channels such as farmers' markets and events like Field to Fork, ensuring that small businesses and independent producers have the opportunity to thrive.

Beyond these bills, we’re closely monitoring other legislative efforts that could impact the industry, including proposals related to swipe fees, Agricultural Protection Areas (APA), beer liquor license regulations, E-Verify requirements, and workforce immigration policies.

Your engagement makes a difference. If these issues affect your business or livelihood, now is the time to connect with legislators and share your perspective. Stay informed by following our latest updates through our website and newsletter.

FARE Idaho remains committed to standing up for independent producers and ensuring that Idaho’s food economy stays strong, resilient, and locally driven.