As Idaho’s strongest industry, agriculture is a way of life for communities across our state. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture was established in 1919 to serve and regulate this cornerstone industry. We oversee more than 60 sections of Idaho Code, and the agency is structured to efficiently implement our statutory duties. The ISDA is divided into the Director’s Office, six divisions and two bureaus.
Chanel Tewalt was appointed by Governor Brad Little to serve as Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in January 2023. Prior to her current role, Tewalt worked for ISDA for 15 years, including serving as the deputy director and chief operations officer. Growing up and working in agriculture is foundational to the way Tewalt approaches her work at the ISDA. As Director, she seeks to emphasize balance, transparency and stakeholder engagement. Tewalt serves on several agricultural boards including as the Vice President of the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association and as a member of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Tewalt and her husband have two children. They co-own a family show lamb and seedstock operation in the Treasure Valley.
The Idaho Legislature created the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in 1919 to assist and regulate the state’s agricultural industry. More than 100 years later, the ISDA continues to be a responsive and dynamic agency that strives to meet the needs of Idaho agriculture. The ISDA serves an important role for all Idahoans. Idaho’s economic well-being is forever tied to the health of its farming and ranching. We also recognize new opportunities exist that will redefine the future of agriculture in Idaho. Agriculture changes, ensuring efficient and superior service delivery will be the department’s foremost priority. Over the past century our farmers and ranchers have laid the framework for the values that have shaped Idaho Agriculture as we know it today. Our pledge is to optimize those values in the years to come.
