University of Idaho Parma research center celebrates 100 — a…

If a pathogen is found (such as blight in onions or potatoes), the center has to go through a variety of reporting layers to contain what could be an outbreak, as far as the Idaho State Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wood said.

Despite the integral role the the center has played in advancing the agricultural sector from its inception, its future wasn’t always certain. At the height of the Great Recession in 2009, Leslie Edgar, the endowed dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, said the center was at one point slated for closure.

Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke underscored that, given the return the center brings to Idaho’s agricultural industry, it should “never (be) on the chopping block again.” With investment in the center continuing today, Bedke said the center remains the envy of the state and the cutting edge research conducted in the area remains integral to the success of agriculture in Idaho both at home and abroad.

The return on investment for the state can be seen through the nematology program, which plays a key role in diagnosing parasites in the region that bring issues in potatoes, sugar beets, onion, mint and other crops. According to the university, for every dollar spent on the nematodes program in “development, transfer and maintenance,” it brings a return of $52.17 to the state’s agriculture industry.

As an example of the international ramifications the station’s work has for Idaho, Bedke recalled a trade mission he led in Asia last year. That trip included introductions to Idaho hops and a reinforcement of existing crop trades like white peaches, which are particularly popular in Taiwan, Bedke noted. While UI’s research contributions help push crops outward, its prominence also brings added attention to the state as a leader in the field.

“Everybody’s looking over the fence into Idaho, because we have very efficient farmers here, very efficient farming techniques, and they want to replicate that,” Bedke said. “Idaho stands for quality out there, and I think that all of that quality stuff starts in places like these extensions.”

Emphasis on the cutting edge in the field — including efficiency and broad improvements to crop yields — are of particular concern for producers as the margins within the industry have tightened for an extended period. During a December agricultural summit hosted by Gov. Brad Little, agriculture leaders noted farm expenses have exceeded the prices received for most crops grown over the last five years.

Given these conditions, “it’s even more important that we’re able to help producers understand what challenges may be facing their crop systems and how they can adjust to them,” Edgar said.

McCandless covers Idaho politics for the Lewiston Tribune, Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Idaho Press of Nampa and Coeur d’Alene Press. He may be contacted at rmccandless@idahopress.com.