Idaho’s agricultural exports have more than doubled in seven years, state Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee this morning. “That’s astounding,” she said. “Agriculture generates more sales in Idaho than any other single industry. It touches every single person in every corner of every state, and when agriculture does well, we all benefit.”

Gov. Butch Otter has recommended a 3.3 percent increase in state funding for the Department of Ag next year; AP reporter Ryan Struyk has a full report here on today’s budget hearing.