Governor Little Puts Idaho Farmers First, Fighting Federal Overreach

Idaho’s rolling fields and hardworking farmers are the backbone of our state, feeding families and sustaining a way of life that defines who we are. Governor Brad Little’s recent partnership with the America First Policy Institute on their Farmers First Agenda isn’t just a policy move; it’s a battle cry for rural America. This initiative, launched in April 2025, promises to put farmers at the forefront, slashing federal overreach and unlocking economic growth. It’s a vision that resonates with anyone who values self-reliance and the grit of those who till the soil.

For too long, farmers have faced a barrage of challenges: skyrocketing costs, unpredictable weather, and a maze of regulations that seem designed to choke innovation. The Farmers First Agenda, embraced by Idaho’s leadership, offers a clear path forward. It prioritizes direct support for producers, expands trade opportunities, and dismantles bureaucratic hurdles. This isn’t about handouts; it’s about empowering farmers to do what they do best—grow food, create jobs, and strengthen communities.

Contrast this with the approach of federal policymakers who’ve pushed for tighter environmental rules and climate-focused grants that often bypass the very people they claim to help. The USDA’s recent decision to terminate a $59 million University of Idaho grant for climate-smart farming, redirecting funds to ensure 65% goes directly to farmers, shows where priorities now lie. It’s a shift that puts real people over abstract agendas, and Idaho is leading the charge.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. With over half of U.S. farmers reporting losses year after year, and a projected $49 billion agricultural trade deficit in 2025, the need for bold action is undeniable. Idaho’s farmers aren’t just feeding our state; they’re a linchpin in national food security and economic stability. The Farmers First Agenda is their lifeline, and it’s time we rally behind it.

One of the Farmers First Agenda’s core promises is to roll back federal regulations that strangle small farms. In 2025, new environmental mandates have driven up compliance costs, forcing farmers to spend more time on paperwork than planting crops. The agenda’s push to streamline these rules is a breath of fresh air. By reducing bureaucratic burdens, Idaho farmers can invest in cutting-edge tools like autonomous tractors and smart irrigation systems, which 68% of large crop farms now use to boost yields and cut costs.

Technological innovation is transforming agriculture, but it’s not just for the big players. Financing options for advanced equipment are now within reach for smaller operations, allowing Idaho’s family farms to compete. The Farmers First Agenda supports this by advocating for policies that prioritize direct aid over bloated administrative programs. Compare this to past federal initiatives, where funds often got lost in a web of intermediaries, leaving farmers with crumbs. The agenda’s insistence on putting producers first is a game-changer.

Then there’s trade. Idaho’s farmers rely on exports, and programs like the Market Access Program, which pumps $34 million annually into promoting U.S. products abroad, are vital. The Farmers First Agenda calls for expanding these opportunities, countering the trade deficits that threaten rural economies. Critics might argue that deregulation risks environmental harm, but sustainable practices like crop rotation and precision agriculture—widely adopted in Idaho—prove farmers can innovate without heavy-handed mandates.

Local farmers are the unsung heroes of food security, a truth Idaho knows well. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains, but regions with strong local food systems, like Idaho’s network of farmers’ markets and food hubs, weathered the storm. These systems don’t just deliver fresh produce; they create jobs, keep dollars in the community, and build trust between producers and consumers. The Farmers First Agenda amplifies this by championing policies that strengthen local agriculture.

Idaho’s Rural Impact strategy, launched in 2024, complements this vision. By fostering collaboration among government, industry, and education, it drives job growth and infrastructure investment in rural areas. The Agricultural Protection Area Act preserves farmland, ensuring future generations can continue the tradition of local production. Meanwhile, community-driven initiatives, like those led by the South Central Community Action Partnership, tackle poverty and food insecurity through sustainable farming and education.

Opponents might claim that globalized food systems are more efficient, but their reliance on imports leaves us vulnerable. Localized supply chains, backed by the Farmers First Agenda, offer resilience against disruptions, from pandemics to climate shocks. Idaho’s farmers are proving that food security starts at home, and their success is a model for the nation.

The Farmers First Agenda isn’t just a policy platform; it’s a commitment to the future of rural America. By putting farmers at the center, Idaho is charting a course for prosperity that balances economic growth with sustainability. The state’s embrace of this initiative, coupled with its own rural development strategies, sends a clear message: we value the people who feed us. With net farm income projected to hit $180.1 billion in 2025, thanks to targeted government payments, the potential for growth is real.

This is a moment to stand firm. Idaho’s farmers, armed with the tools of innovation and the support of bold leadership, are ready to lead. The Farmers First Agenda is their blueprint, and its success will ripple far beyond our state’s borders. It’s a call to action for every American who believes in hard work, self-reliance, and the enduring strength of our rural communities.