Simplot saves ag research facility in Idaho

Simplot steps up for ag research facility - ABC

The University of Idaho said Monday that an agricultural research center facing closure because of state budget cuts would survive until 2014 under a proposed agreement with J.R. Simplot Co.

The food processing and agricultural company — one of the main suppliers of McDonald's french fries — would give $300,000 each year to the center in Parma as part of the five-year agreement.

In exchange, Simplot researchers will be allowed to use the site's facilities and up to 50 acres of land for crop studies and development. The center in Parma sits on 200 acres, half of which is crop land.

Under the proposed agreement, the university would dedicate half of a research faculty position for the coordination, oversight and some maintenance of the company's research at the site. The university would also provide tillage and irrigation for Simplot's research at another site in the Parma region.

The proposal has been submitted to the state Board of Education for approval, along with the university's plans for the future of the 11 other agriculture and extension centers amid state-mandated budget cuts. The school is facing a $4.7 million loss in state funding for the centers.
The school's Tetonia and Sandpoint facilities will stay in operation at least through June 2010 because of financial pledges from industry groups, the university said in a statement.


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