WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $3,000,000 in funding for the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE) Project in Rupert, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have proudly worked to ensure that Idaho’s agriculture can continue to thrive. Like many Idaho agriculture sectors, the dairy industry plays a significant role in our state’s economy,” said Rep. Simpson. “Securing funding for this world-class research center is crucial for promoting long-term sustainability in Idaho’s agriculture industry. I am committed to supporting Idaho’s dairy industry and ensuring our tax dollars are being put to work right here at home.”
“We are thankful for Congressman Simpson’s continued support and advocacy for Idaho agriculture,” said Leslie Edgar, J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “His tireless work to secure this critical funding for Idaho CAFE enables us to fulfill our land-grant mission and conduct applied research that will benefit Idaho’s dairy farmers. By working together, we will ensure that the Idaho dairy industry has the necessary data and tools for continued success.”
“Thank you, Congressman Simpson, for your work in securing funding for CAFE through the congressional appropriations process. This vital community project strengthens both the University of Idaho and the state’s dairy Industry. CAFE will provide dairy farmers and researchers the opportunity to test new strategies and technologies on a true-to-scale Idaho dairy, helping the industry advance through applied research and innovation. Agriculture is the backbone of Idaho’s economy, and we appreciate leaders like Congressman Simpson who recognize its importance and support the continued growth of our dairy industry for generations to come,” said Rick Naerebout, CEO, Idaho Dairymen’s Association.
This funding would be used to build a flexible manure handling system at the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE) site. CAFE is a UI-led effort to establish the nation’s largest research dairy, which will have the capacity to support
2,000-cows, and sits on 640 acres in Rupert, ID. The flexible manure treatment system will be used for testing and evaluating manure separation and nutrient extraction technologies. This funding will build on investments already made that supported research
equipment storage and a shop facility for ARS at their Kimberly, ID, site and the building of a basic manure separation facility. Additional funding will enable the creation of an advanced manure research facility at CAFE with multiple treatment technologies
and enhanced nutrient recovery to maximize research outcomes and technology development.
Despite claims that CPF projects are “wasteful earmarks,” Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects are contained within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.
As Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.
The CAFE Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill. President Trump has signed this measure into law.
About Mike Simpson
An Idaho native, Mike Simpson was born in Burley and raised in Blackfoot. His political career began in 1980, when he was elected to the Blackfoot City Council. In 1984, he was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until 1998, the last six years serving as Speaker. Mike is currently serving his fourteenth term in the House of Representatives for Idaho’s second congressional district. Visit https://simpson.house.gov/ to learn more or find contact info.
