The Canyon Agricultural Foundation for Education was formed in 1999 and received their non-profit tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (501-c-3) in 2000. The foundation, know as CAFE, was begun through the efforts of the Canyon County Farm Bureau Federation Board who recognized the need for a non-profit, unbiased organization to provide education on agricultural issues in primarily Canyon County, but also the state of Idaho and the nation.
CAFE was formed independent of the Farm Bureau and has an independent Board of Directors, who directs the policies and day-to-day business of the foundation. This board consists of citizens, at least one teacher from a Canyon County school, and members of the Farm Bureau. The foundation receives its funding from a generous grant from the Canyon County Farm Bureau, as well as other resources. In the past two years that also included a donation from Larry Brannen, Dean of the University of Idaho Department of Agriculture and the Idaho Farm Bureau AER Foundation. CAFE is consistently seeking funding resources for their projects and welcomes any donations or suggestions.
Goals of the CAFE Board include:
- Continuation of a scholarship program for Idaho college students enrolled the study of agriculture.
- Directing an annual essay contest among fourth grade Canyon County students
- Providing educational seminars for Canyon County citizens on agricultural issues
- Public relations efforts
- Encouraging planned growth through research of options and education of elected and appointed officials on those options.
The Board meets quarterly to review and update policies, goals and projects of the Foundation. Please call our office (through the Canyon County Farm Bureau) at 208-658-5956 or 208-459-1604 for more information.
