Proposed Extension Closure
The University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will involve faculty, staff and stakeholder groups around the state in its planning for the proposed closures of research and extension centers.
?The college and University of Idaho Extension operate 12 research and extension centers throughout the state, and another based on the Moscow campus that oversees nearby facilities. ?College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean John Hammel outlined the proposal during a recent presentation to the Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance - Appropriations Committee. ?Hammel said the college plans to form a planning committee with broad membership from internal and external groups interested in the research and extension centers to help the college's leadership assess the options.
Canyon County farmer Sid Freeman has received a great deal of information and advice from the Extension service and worries about potential closures.
(Freeman): “If they shut down the extension office here in Canyon County, not just Canyon County but Treasure Valley wide, it would have an adverse impact.”
Dean Hammel said the following: “We must stress that no centers and programs are currently targeted and that we have not yet initiated the review process.”
?Some of the criteria that will be used to evaluate the centers will include:
?*Current and future relevance ?
*Impact on industry and the specific industry sector affected by closure ?
*Program priorities across Idaho ?
*Potential partnerships or collaborations to meet need.
