U of I hires new director of Idaho Foundation Seed Program, Parma R&E Center

University of Idaho has hired an entomologist with more than seven years of experience in agricultural research to be the director of the Idaho Foundation Seed Program and the Parma Research and Extension Center.

Chris Caron has worked as a research technician for the wheat breeding program at Nutrient Ag Solutions in Bozeman, Montana, since 2023. He’ll start in his new role with U of I on Dec. 1.

About half of Caron’s job will entail supporting the production of certified seed for a variety of crops grown in Idaho, as well as reviewing applications for variety releases.

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.

He’ll 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. Furthermore, he’ll oversee daily operations at the Parma research facility, which recently opened a state-of-the-art new laboratory called the 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 graduated with a biology degree from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire, 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.

His master’s thesis focused on the integrated pest management of wheat stem sawfly in spring wheat. He was also involved in multi-state insecticide trials for managing alfalfa weevils, and he planted, maintained and harvested wheat seed-treatment trials for the management of wireworms in spring wheat.

“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 program.

“He quickly adapted to the research position with enthusiasm and an abundance of energy, and he has been a valuable member of the program since that time,” said Dale Clark, senior breeder with Nutrien and Caron’s supervisor. “Also, his knowledge of entomology has enhanced our understanding of the insects affecting wheat production in Montana — Hessian fly, wheat stem sawfly and the orange wheat blossom midge — insects that can also create problems in Idaho.”