Caron Set To Take The Reigns At Parma

Starting next week, the University of Idaho will have a new director for the Idaho Foundation Seed Program and the Parma Research and Extension Center.

Chris Caron, who comes to the U of I from the wheat breeding program at Nutrient Ag Solutions in Bozeman, Montana, is an entomologist with more than seven years of experience in agricultural research.  He’ll start in his new role Monday December 1st.

Caron Will Manage An Operation That Oversees A Host Of NW Crops

The University of Idaho said foundation seed is the initial seed generation produced under strict conditions to be used for growing certified seed, which farmers plant to raise food crops with high genetic purity, high germination rates and minimal contamination.  Foundation seed is raised from breeder seed, which is the first generation of a new crop variety that has been developed by a plant breeder.  Caron will manage the statewide production of foundation seed for the program, which maintains about 120 varieties of wheat, barley, oats, beans, potatoes, peas, chickpeas, lentils, rapeseed, grasses, forbs and forage legumes.

University officials add Caron will also be charged with ensuring rules and regulations are followed in the production of breeder and certified seed, while maintaining seed production sites and the storage of seed lots throughout the state.  He will also oversee daily operations at the Parma research facility, which recently opened the new state-of-the-art Idaho Center for Plant and Soil Health.

“I’m excited to lead the Foundation Seed Program toward continued growth and excellence, and I look forward to working with all of you in optimizing the Parma station’s potential for research, outreach and Extension,” Caron said.

Caron Focused On Ag Innovation

Caron graduated with a biology degree from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH in 2013.  From 2017 through 2023, he managed the applied entomology research lab at Montana State University, earning a master’s degree in land resources and environmental science from MSU in 2019.

"I’ve been fortunate to work with Montana’s farmers through applied research, both at MSU and Nutrien Ag Solutions,” Caron said. “These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the seed industry and strengthened my commitment to supporting agricultural innovation.”

Caron sought the position at U of I after Nutrien announced it would be eliminating its wheat breeding program.

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