Orchard is site of new University of Idaho organic center

The Associated Press//August 29, 2018

An orchard in Sandpoint will be the site of the University of Idaho’s new Organic Agriculture Center.

The Capital Press reports the orchard, donated Aug. 1 to the university by Dennis Pence and his family, will be known as the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center.

The university says it is the first center in the institution’s system to focus on organic farming and production systems.

University of Idaho Dean of College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Michael Parrella said the university and Pence share a desire to support local food systems, train students in sustainability and organic production, develop heritage varieties of crops, including apples, and focus on nutrition.

Plans call for the center to offer hands-on internships for University of Idaho and North Idaho College students.

Parrella expects programs at the center to begin this semester.