IDAHO — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has abruptly canceled a $59 million grant awarded to the University of Idaho, ending the school’s largest research project and resulting in the loss of 26 jobs.
The grant, part of the USDA’s climate-smart agriculture program, aimed to support Idaho farmers marketing crops like chickpeas, barley, potatoes, and beef. The agency terminated the funding in a brief letter sent Sunday, citing revised rules requiring 65% of funds to go directly to producers—up from the previous “majority” threshold. UI’s project allocated about 56% to farmers.
University officials say the sudden cancellation affects partnerships with tribes, conservation districts, and local cooperatives. The USDA has not publicly explained the decision, and university leaders say they may reapply under the newly renamed program.
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