Parma Funding

Two Years ago, I filed this report. Established in 1925 the University of Idaho Parma Research Center has been an integral part of agriculture in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. Now almost 100 years old, it's time for a facelift and modernization of the Center. Mark McGuire director of agricultural experiment stations for the U of I. explains what's ahead. “What we hope to do is to revitalize all of our research infrastructure around the state. We have aging facilities. Average age of our buildings around the state is 50 years old and that that's typical of what's here in Parma. Mostly because we just have to have space. We don't have the space currently. Couple of our leading researchers here are working in closets if you will. And so we we need the space and we hope to add a couple of more faculty.” Here in Parma entymology, nematology, plant pathology, pomology, plant science and cropping systems are the six main areas of research. All geared towards the diversity of crops produced in the valley.

Now, The $7 million dollar renovation of the University of Idaho’s Parma Agricultural Research Center is now a reality.

The Idaho Lawmakers passed a bill that’ll use state funds to upgrade the Parma research station.

That legislation passed the House and Senate by a combined vote of 91-9.

The legislation “speaks to broad support from the legislature and governor for the college and for agriculture,” said Michael Parrella, dean of UI’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, which oversees Parma and eight other ag and Extension research centers across the state.

“It's a partnership, a very successful partnership, said, Parella. “The Ag center in Parma is not just an investment in production in this area but an investment in agriculture across the state. So I think that is one of the compelling reasons, I think the legislature decided to provide support, so that’s exciting.”