The Iowa House of Representatives has released its proposed agricultural budget for fiscal year 2023. Iowa Farmers Union Lobbyist, Emilee Harris says in this proposal multiple departments are expected to receive increased funding with part of this increase going towards another full-time position in the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s pesticide bureau to help with the increase in pesticide drift cases.
She notes another proposed budget increase would work towards the implementation of a new Chose Iowa program that encourages consumers to buy agricultural products grown in the state.
Harris also pointed out some current legislation to keep an eye on is HF 2308 the Dairy processing and milk production innovation and revitalization fund and program. This would create a fund of a proposed $1 million to provide financial aid to expand or refurbish existing dairy processing facilities and, work towards establishing an artisanal dairy processing program at a community college or at an institution governed by the state board of regents. Harris says Iowa’s legislative session target adjournment right now is for April 1st a few weeks earlier than expected.
