Description
In the spring of 1972, Food Producers approached the Legislature with a law written by Boise attorney Richard Fields. The 1972 version was patterned closely after national legislation. The Legislature provides for secret elections where necessary and also defines fair and unfair labor practices for employers, workers and their unions. A five-person labor board administers this law which has never been challenged in the courts. Two board members were selected by Food Producers, two by the Migrant Council and the final selection by the Governor. From this small beginning, Food Producers of Idaho has grown into a strong alliance of over 40 Idaho agricultural organizations. It has made significant contributions to the Idaho legislative scene. It has always been a strong supporter of a comprehensive noxious weed control program. In 1976, Food Producers was successful in getting the Legislature to adopt the federal penalties that were a part of the federal pesticide statutes. This made it possible for the Director of Idaho Department of Agriculture to gain quick approval for certain agricultural chemicals on an emergency use basis. In 1975 Food Producers of Idaho inaugurated a program of bringing congressional legislative and committee assistants to Idaho to experience life on our farms and ranches as houseguests of their host families. Since its inception, over 100 individuals have visited the Gem State under this program...