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The University of Idaho’s decision to terminate the agricultural research and extension programs that have been conducted at the North Boyer Avenue facility for more than 100 years and sell the property because of higher4 priorities for funds needed elsewhere in the state is regrettable. As a former superintendent and horticulturist at the center, I am sorry to see this decision because a lot of good work beneficial to this area was done there.

I am, however, very much in favor of the city of Sandpoint securing the property, if fund can be found, so that it can be developed for the multi-use purposes that have been proposed in the past and present discussions. Nevertheless, I do advocate that some small portion of this valuable resource be set aside for the public to establish community gardens and, in this manner, in a small way, preserve the legacy of this historic place.

Locally, we have seen the successful establishment and growth, no pun intended, of farmer’s markets and the desire of the public to grow food for themselves. This trend also has led to ideas that produce, not necessarily grown on city property, but on private land that could be converted into value-added forms. The current efforts of the Bonner County Economic Development corporation to restore a commercial kitchen would fit very well into this plan.

Let’s all remember that “agriculture fees the world” and “no farms, no food.”

HARRY MENSER

Sandpoint