New Funds Save Parma Research Center, For Now
Yesterday, Capital Press reported contributions from several groups will allow specialty crop research to continue at the University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center.
Dr. Esmaeil Fallahi, Photo by Guy Hand
Last September Edible Idaho aired a story on Dr. Esmaeil Fallahi, a fruit researcher for the Parma Center who has done innovative work to bring new fruit crops to the Northwest and whose job was threatened by the possible closure of the research facility due to lack of funds.
Here’s what Capital Press reported:
“The Treasure Valley Agricultural Coalition, which represents specialty and seed crop producers, has contributed $65,000 to fund field operations through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.
A separate five-year agreement with tree fruit and table grape producers in the Treasure Valley has resulted in $30,000 a year in support of the center’s orchards and vineyards.
Contributors included the Idaho apple and cherry commissions, the Idaho State Horticultural Society’s stone fruit committee and the Snake River Table Grape Association.
In December, the J.R. Simplot Co. agreed to contribute $300,000 a year to the Parma center for five years in exchange for the right to conduct private research on a portion of the 200-acre site. The deal will help pay for the university’s field crop research, but it doesn’t include vineyards and tree fruit.
John Hammel, dean of the UI College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, commended industry groups for answering the call for additional contributions.”
