University of Idaho officials are optimistic about their plans to build the nation’s largest research dairy.
Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, or CAFÉ says the new center would help support the growth of dairy and other industries.
University President Scott Green told the Idaho Land Board the campus will be a leader (for) water usage and environmental quality challenges while supporting the continued growth of the dairy, livestock, cropland, and food processing industries.
Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment
As Idaho’s statewide, land-grant institution, the University of Idaho is proud to address critical problems of worldwide importance through the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE). Agribusiness is a critical part of Idaho’s diverse economy and an important employer. Livestock, dairy, crop production and food processing are growing sectors that intersect in challenging ways — in Idaho and beyond.
The center will be a leader in addressing constraints on water usage and environmental quality while supporting the agricultural sectors of dairy, livestock and cropland, as well as the food processing industries. A partnership between education, industry and economic development stakeholders will result in dynamic research and education to develop solutions to complex problems.
Research at CAFE will cover a broad range of areas including:
- Agricultural economics impact, sustainability and labor management
- Agriculture commodity risk management
- Animal health, productivity and genetic improvement
- Food safety
- Food science and manufacturing
- Forage cropping and agronomy
- Green energy production and energy-use conservation
- Nutrient and wastewater management
- Odor and emissions control
- Precision agriculture and technology
- Production management
- Soil health and fertility
- Value-added products
- Water use and protection
