Idaho Barley Assessment
Grower-Funded. Grower-Directed. Investing in Idaho Barley.
The Idaho Barley Commission (IBC) is a grower-driven, grower-funded and grower-governed agency of the State of Idaho. The Commission’s work is funded through an assessment on Idaho barley and is dedicated to strengthening the Idaho barley industry through research, market development, promotion, education and information.
The current Idaho barley assessment is $0.04 per hundredweight (cwt).
That means the assessment is:
- 4 cents per 100 pounds of barley
- $0.40 per 1,000 pounds
- $8.00 on a 20-ton load
The assessment is collected when barley enters commercial channels and is used to invest in programs that benefit Idaho barley growers and the Idaho barley industry.
Why Is There a Barley Assessment?
The Idaho Barley Commission was established by the Idaho Legislature in 1988 under Title 22, Chapter 40, Idaho Code.
The Legislature recognized the importance of Idaho’s barley industry and the need to develop markets, conduct research and address challenges facing barley growers.
Idaho Code § 22-4001 establishes the legislative policy behind the program. The statute states that Idaho’s barley industry contributes to the economic welfare of the state and identifies the need to protect, promote, study, research, analyze and develop markets for Idaho barley.
The purpose of the assessment is therefore to provide a dedicated source of funding for programs that strengthen the barley industry and create opportunities for Idaho growers.
How Much Is the Assessment?
Under Idaho Code § 22-4015, an assessment of up to four cents ($0.04) per hundredweight may be imposed on barley covered by the statute.
The Idaho Barley Commission currently collects the maximum authorized rate:
$0.04 per hundredweight
Who Pays the Assessment?
The assessment is imposed on barley covered by Idaho Code § 22-4015.
The law provides for the assessment on barley grown in Idaho, or barley given to Idaho growers under a federal crop-reduction program, when that barley is sold or contracted through commercial channels in Idaho.
The statute defines a “first purchaser” as the person, group, association or partnership that first purchases the barley from the grower, as well as certain lienholders that may possess barley under a lien.
How it works:
1. Idaho grower sells barley
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2. First purchaser purchases the barley
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3. Assessment is deducted from the grower’s settlement
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4. First purchaser remits the assessment to the Idaho Barley Commission
The assessment is therefore normally shown as a deduction on the grower’s settlement statement.
The Commission’s administrative rules require the first purchaser to deduct the assessment based on the net weight of barley after deduction of dockage.
What Does the Assessment Fund?
Assessment dollars are invested in programs intended to benefit Idaho barley growers and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the Idaho barley industry.
Under Idaho Code § 22-4009, the Idaho Barley Commission is authorized and directed to conduct activities including:
Research
Funding research addressing issues and challenges affecting Idaho barley production, including agronomic research, variety development, disease and pest management, production practices and other grower needs.
Market Development
Identifying and developing new markets for Idaho barley and barley products and supporting the continued use of Idaho barley domestically and internationally.
Promotion
Promoting the value and uses of Idaho barley and barley products.
Education & Information
Providing reliable information about barley production, markets, varieties, uses and other issues important to Idaho barley growers.
Industry Development
Working with state, regional, national and international organizations to strengthen Idaho’s barley industry.
The statute specifically authorizes the Commission to conduct research, education and publicity campaigns; find new markets; provide information about the value of barley; investigate problems affecting Idaho barley producers; and cooperate with other organizations conducting similar activities.
Where Do Assessment Dollars Go?
Assessment funds stay focused on the Idaho barley industry.
The Idaho Barley Commission invests assessment revenue in programs such as:
- Barley production research
- Barley variety development and evaluation
- Agronomic research
- Disease and pest research
- Research addressing production challenges
- Market development
- Domestic and international market promotion
- Grower education
- Industry information and communications
- Support for barley industry organizations and programs
- Long-term investments that benefit Idaho barley growers
For example, the Commission established an endowed barley agronomist position with the University of Idaho using grower assessment funds. The $1 million endowment was fully funded by the Commission in 2018 and continues to support barley research serving Idaho growers.
Who Oversees the Idaho Barley Commission?
The Idaho Barley Commission is a self-governing agency of the State of Idaho.
The Commission is made up primarily of barley growers representing three districts throughout the state, with an industry representative and a University of Idaho representative serving in accordance with Idaho law. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor.
This structure ensures that Idaho barley growers have a direct role in determining how assessment dollars are invested.
Is the Assessment Required by Law?
Yes.
The Idaho Legislature established the barley assessment in Idaho Code § 22-4015.
The law authorizes an assessment of up to $0.04 per hundredweight on qualifying Idaho barley. The Idaho Barley Commission currently establishes the assessment at $0.04 per hundredweight.
The Commission’s authority to administer the assessment comes from Title 22, Chapter 40, Idaho Code, and the Commission’s administrative rules are found in IDAPA 53.01.01 – Rules of the Idaho Barley Commission.
How Is the Assessment Collected?
The assessment is collected through the first purchaser.
Under Idaho law, the assessment is due when qualifying barley is first sold or contracted through commercial channels. The first purchaser deducts the assessment from the amount paid to the seller and remits the assessment to the Commission.
The Commission designates three-month collection periods. Under the current administrative rules:
- July 1 – September 30: payment due October 15
- October 1 – December 31: payment due January 15
- January 1 – March 31: payment due April 15
- April 1 – June 30: payment due July 15
The first purchaser must report and remit the assessment according to the Commission’s rules.
What About Barley That Has Already Paid an Assessment Elsewhere?
Idaho law and Commission rules recognize certain situations where a comparable assessment has already been paid in another state or jurisdiction.
Under IDAPA 53.01.01.200, barley may be exempt from the Idaho assessment if a comparable assessment serving a similar purpose—including research and market development—has already been paid in another jurisdiction.
The seller must provide evidence to the Idaho first purchaser demonstrating that the comparable assessment was previously paid.
Accountability & Transparency
The Idaho Barley Commission is accountable to Idaho barley growers.
The Commission maintains financial records and accounts of its activities, and Idaho Code provides for oversight and inspection of those records. The Commission also operates under state administrative rules and applicable state audit requirements.
Assessment funds are dedicated to advancing the Idaho barley industry—not to general state government operations.
The Idaho Barley Assessment at a Glance
| Current assessment | $0.04 per hundredweight |
| Equivalent | 4 cents per 100 pounds |
| Statutory authority | Idaho Code § 22-4015 |
| Commission authority | Idaho Code § 22-4009 |
| Governing chapter | Title 22, Chapter 40 – Barley—Promotion of Marketing |
| Collection | Through the first purchaser |
| Assessment basis | Net weight after dockage |
| Primary uses | Research, market development, promotion, education and information |
| Commission established | 1988 |
| Administrative rules | IDAPA 53.01.01 |
Grower Dollars at Work
Every four cents collected per hundredweight represents an investment in the future of Idaho barley.
The Idaho Barley Commission works to turn those grower-funded dollars into practical benefits for Idaho’s barley industry—from research and improved varieties to market development, education and promotion.
Grower-funded. Grower-governed. Investing in Idaho barley.
Idaho Barley Assessment Resources
Idaho Code – Title 22, Chapter 40
Barley—Promotion of Marketing
Idaho Code § 22-4001
Declaration of Policy
Idaho Code § 22-4009
Duties and Powers of the Commission
Idaho Code § 22-4015
Imposition of Tax
Idaho Code § 22-4017
Payment of Tax—Disposition of Receipts
Idaho Code § 22-4019
Referendum for Barley Growers
IDAPA 53.01.01
Rules of the Idaho Barley Commission
For questions regarding the barley assessment, reporting requirements, payment procedures, contact the Idaho Barley Commission at 208-334-2090 or email Wren Hernandez at whernandez@barley.idaho.gov