Should private sector be asked to plug holes in U of I ag spending?
Times-News Editorial Board
October 21, 2009
Twin Falls Times-News
For the better part of a century, southern Idaho's agriculture economy has reaped the benefits of a dependable, largely unseen benefactor. Through ag research stations, a partnership with the College of Southern Idaho and Extension dollars, the University of Idaho has provided critical funding for the way we make a living here - and being 450 miles away, quite a lot of autonomy.
But times are changing.
Earlier this month, University of Idaho President Duane Nellis ordered more than $7 million cut from the university's budget in response to a 6 percent holdback ordered by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter.
That means at best another hurdle for the proposed livestock research center near Jerome. The U of I will withhold $600,000, or 6 percent, from nearly $10 million set aside for the facility.
The reduction will also cut $1.5 million from the university's Agricultural Research and Extension budget, in addition to the Legislature's $3.26 million cutback.
That's a significant blow, and one the Legislature isn't likely to make good anytime soon.
So in the case of the livestock center - and perhaps other university-sponsored enterprises in the Magic Valley - the private sector will have to make up the difference.
The dairy industry was originally asked to pay about $5 million, while $10 million would come from U of I and another $10 million from the state. The remainder would come from federal stimulus dollars.
This isn't a great time for dairy - still struggling with low prices - to find the extra money, but it's a pattern that seems to be emerging at other Idaho locations where the university is dealing back.
The Parma Research and Extension Center in southwest Idaho is at risk of closing unless somebody - meaning Canyon County's ag community - ponies up. Parma Mayor Margaret Watson told the Idaho Statesman that local farmers and the school are considering a "lean and mean" model the will keep the center alive through tough times so that it can grow again when the economy improves.
"Everyone is coming up to the table and doing what they are capable of doing," Watson said. "Whether or not that will fill the entire void is another question."
Extension centers in Tetonia in eastern Idaho and Sandpoint in northern Idaho are also at risk. There's no indication that the Kimberly Research and Extension Center and the Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station are in jeopardy, but Extension dollars are significant in south-central Idaho.
There's a case to be made that U of I ag dollars could be spent more efficiently, but it's difficult to reorganize in a crisis. What's needed is a top-to-bottom review of ag research and Extension spending by the State Board of Education and the Legislature.
And under the circumstances, the university should ask for private sector help.
Originally posted at http://www.magicvalley.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_bd927638-cf51-5c63-a56e-12f43e01030d.html
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