Governor Little's Farmers First Plan Sets New Course for Idaho Fields

In Idaho, where golden fields stretch beneath wide skies, farmers have long been the backbone of local communities. Their work feeds families, fuels the economy, and preserves a way of life rooted in the land. Recently, Governor Brad Little announced a partnership with the America First Policy Institute to launch the Farmers First Agenda, a plan to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector. The initiative promises to foster economic growth, streamline regulations, and prioritize the needs of farmers, but it arrives at a time of complex challenges for the industry.

Agriculture in Idaho is more than a job; it’s a lifeline. The state ranks among the top producers of potatoes, wheat, and dairy in the U.S., with farming contributing billions to the economy each year. Yet, farmers face rising costs, unpredictable weather, and shifting global markets. The Farmers First Agenda aims to address these pressures by putting producers at the center of policy decisions, but its success hinges on balancing immediate economic relief with long-term sustainability.

The announcement has sparked both optimism and debate. Supporters see it as a bold step to empower farmers and revitalize rural areas. Others, including environmental advocates and small-farm operators, worry about the implications of deregulation and the focus on export-driven growth. As Idaho moves forward, the initiative’s impact will depend on how it navigates these competing priorities.

At its core, the Farmers First Agenda seeks to restore prosperity to rural communities by reducing federal regulations and expanding trade opportunities. Launched in April 2025 by the America First Policy Institute, the initiative calls for policies that prioritize direct support for farmers over administrative overhead. In Idaho, this translates to efforts like easing compliance burdens, boosting market access for crops, and redirecting federal grants to benefit producers directly.

One notable change came when the U.S. Department of Agriculture terminated a $59 million grant to the University of Idaho for climate-smart farming. The decision, tied to new criteria requiring 65% of funds to go directly to farmers, reflects the agenda’s focus on immediate aid. The university is now revising its proposal to align with these priorities, aiming to support sustainable practices while meeting the new requirements. Such shifts highlight the initiative’s emphasis on tangible benefits for farmers but raise questions about the future of research-driven programs.

Nationally, the agenda addresses a projected $49 billion agricultural trade deficit in 2025 by promoting exports through programs like the Market Access Program, which provides $34 million annually to support U.S. products abroad. In Idaho, where trade is vital for crops like wheat and dairy, these efforts could open new markets. However, critics argue that deregulation may increase environmental risks, potentially undermining long-term productivity.

Idaho’s farmers are not alone in facing tough times. Across the U.S., over half of corn, soybean, rice, and wheat growers have reported losses for consecutive years, driven by low prices and high input costs. The upcoming Farm Bill, expected in 2025, aims to address this by enhancing crop insurance and increasing reference prices for major crops. Government payments are projected to push net farm income to $180.1 billion this year, a 29.5% rise, largely through disaster and supplemental aid.

Sustainability remains a pressing concern. Climate change has brought more frequent droughts, floods, and storms, disrupting yields and livestock production. In response, many farmers are adopting conservation techniques like crop rotation and cover cropping, supported by policy shifts that redirect subsidies toward eco-friendly practices. Yet, these transitions can be costly, and stricter environmental regulations, while beneficial for the planet, add financial strain for some producers.

Technology offers a glimmer of hope. Autonomous tractors, smart irrigation systems, and crop-monitoring drones are transforming farming, with 68% of large U.S. crop farms now using precision agriculture tools. These innovations boost efficiency and reduce costs, but smaller farms often lack the capital or training to adopt them. Idaho’s rural development strategies, like the 2024 Rural Impact plan, aim to bridge this gap by investing in infrastructure and workforce development.

Farmers themselves have mixed feelings about the new agenda. Some, like those represented by state agriculture commissioners, welcome the focus on cutting red tape and boosting trade. They argue that excessive regulations stifle innovation and drive up costs, making it harder to compete globally. For them, the Farmers First Agenda feels like a lifeline, promising more freedom to operate and better access to markets.

Others, particularly those invested in sustainable practices, express caution. Environmental groups and organic farmers emphasize that deregulation could harm soil health and water resources, which are already under strain. They point to the success of local food systems, like Idaho’s farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture programs, which have strengthened food security during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. These stakeholders advocate for policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Rural communities also have a stake in the conversation. Initiatives like the Idaho Rural Partnership highlight the importance of collaboration between farmers, businesses, and local governments. By investing in local agriculture, these efforts create jobs, reduce reliance on imports, and build resilience against supply chain disruptions. The Farmers First Agenda could amplify these benefits, but only if it includes diverse voices in its implementation.

As Idaho embraces the Farmers First Agenda, the path forward is anything but simple. The initiative’s focus on economic growth and deregulation could provide much-needed relief for farmers grappling with tight margins and global competition. At the same time, the push for sustainability and technological innovation demands investment and careful planning to avoid unintended consequences. Striking this balance will be critical to ensuring the long-term health of Idaho’s agricultural sector.

The stakes are high, not just for farmers but for everyone who depends on their work. Food security, rural vitality, and environmental health are deeply intertwined, and the decisions made today will shape Idaho’s landscape for decades. By listening to farmers, policymakers, and community leaders, the state has a chance to chart a course that honors its agricultural heritage while adapting to a changing world.