Idaho Food Producers Look to the Future
The leaders of Food Producers of Idaho are eager to shape the organization’s future. They plan to gather feedback from their members through a survey, thanks to the efforts of executive director Mary Scott. Members will have until the end of April to share their thoughts.
Mary emphasizes that feedback is crucial. “We want to hear from our membership,” she says. This input will guide future decisions.
Mary stepped into her role in December, following the departure of Rick Waitley, who had led the organization for years. After the 2025 legislative session, he decided to focus on other agricultural advocacy efforts but remains an active member.
Food Producers represents over 40 organizations in Idaho’s agriculture sector. They meet weekly during the legislative session to advocate for policies that support farmers and ranchers. The organization aims to be a united voice, pushing for policies that benefit the entire food production industry.
Mary and board president Larry Hollifield, marking a fresh leadership perspective, see an exciting opportunity ahead. “We can build on our success,” says Larry, who has been involved with Food Producers for six years as a county farm representative.
One major goal is to enhance support for members. Larry believes that by helping members develop their policies, the organization can be more impactful. This approach could move Food Producers towards a more proactive stance, something Mary has experiences with from her past work with national associations.
The group typically refrains from taking strong positions on issues unless they have consensus among members, especially on contentious topics. Scott explains, “If it’s an industry-specific issue, we’ll usually avoid taking sides.” They also steer clear of social and purely political matters.
Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to join or attend meetings, giving them a voice in the process. “It’s powerful to have producers at the table,” Larry asserts.
The meetings are not just about voting; they are platforms for discussion. Members can propose topics, which are reviewed and voted on in subsequent meetings.
As the organization looks to the future, their focus remains on fostering member success. Scott, who hails from a farming background, believes that Idaho has vast potential for agricultural growth and education.
Recent surveys reveal that farmers are increasingly interested in sustainability and technology, suggesting a shift towards more innovative practices in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that farmers who embrace technology see increased productivity and sustainability, making the need for organizations like Food Producers more relevant than ever.
As Food Producers navigates this period of change, they remain committed to empowering their members and supporting Idaho’s agricultural landscape.
