02/24/05 Program to keep farmers on the farm

It has been a struggle for many Idaho farmers and ranchers who are burdened with low commodity prices and higher input costs. Several hundred of them and their spouses have taken advantage of a program through the University of Idaho called Alternative Careers for Idaho Farmers. ACIF coordinator Brad Jahn says the title is a little misleading because they're not trying to drive people off the farm. JAHN "We do that through providing financial support to farmers who want to take education and training either to make their operations more profitable or to develop a supplemental career that they can use to support their farm income." Jahn says there is adequate money to keep the program going for several more years. JAHN "The program is a grant that is funded through the Workforce Investment of Act of the United States Department of Labor and the actual program is administered through the University of Idaho Extension." ACIF helps with tuition and books, with child care and even transportation. The deadline application for those taking summer college or university courses is next week, March first to be exact, with the fall application deadline on June first. There are no deadlines for non-university applicants. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott