Idaho
At first pass, Idaho’s vast and robust agricultural economy, averaging 15 percent of the state’s annual GDP, appears invincible. However, several dynamic conditions, such as exploding population growth, drought conditions and water scarcity, supply chain disruption, and soil health decline, are putting the longevity of our family farms and ranches at risk. Many Idahoans and local organizations have been calling for agricultural protection for decades. AFT’s Idaho program is excited to identify opportunities to create projects with our donors, peers, and advocates that inform, add value, and strengthen our agricultural communities.
Continuing business as usual, Idahoans have paved over, fragmented, or compromised 64,860 acres of working lands between 2016-2023. That’s the equivalent of losing approximately 400 farms and ranches, $40 million in annual agriculture output, and 900 jobs based on county averages. Eighty-three percent of the conversion is occurring on Idaho’s best land (Farms Under Threat 2040). AFT’s Idaho programs are working hard to raise awareness of this threat and identify opportunities to curb rampant growth.
Our strength to protect our agricultural economy and way of life lies in our voice. Join AFT as a member (it’s free), and you will receive our Idaho newsletter, which provides regular updates on programming, landowner success stories, and calls to action for engaging our local and state decision-makers on issues that keep our farms and ranches working.
Learn more: Farms Under Threat – Future Scenarios
