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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

After lawmakers unreceptive to banning soybean production, Bean Commission looks instead to seed-safety effort

Idaho’s dry bean industry is considering dropping its proposal to ban soybeans from being grown in some parts of the state after lawmakers weren’t receptive, the Capital Press reports; instead, the Idaho Bean Commission is considering shifting its focus to exploring ways to ensure people interested in growing soybeans in Idaho have a source of seed that is certified disease-free and grows well in the region.

“We can’t fight it, so we might as well make sure it’s done safely,” said Idaho Bean Commissioner Gina Lohnes.

Interest in growing soybeans in Idaho is growing because of the state’s large dairy and cattle industries, but the Bean Commission was concerned about plant diseases possibly being introduced to the state. You can read a full report here from Capital Press reporter Sean Ellis.



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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