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

Project timeline

• March 2019 — Purchased dairy land in partnership with Idaho Dairymen’s Association
• June 2022 — Groundbreaking at the research dairy site
• 2024 — First cows milked at the dairy