The Intermountain Research and Extension Center is soliciting proposals from researchers for new and continuing research projects in 2021-22.

IREC is a 140-acre research facility located at 4,000 feet elevation near the Oregon border.  The Center specializes in crops grown in Northeast California including potato, small grain, onion, peppermint, forage grasses and alfalfa; however, most cool season field and vegetable crops can be accommodated and grown at the center.

Research topics of interest include variety development, integrated pest management, irrigation management, plant nutrition and agriculture-wildlife interactions.  Available facilities and equipment at the center include a greenhouse, controlled post-harvest facility, drying ovens, an automated potato grading line, a mini-still for essential oil extraction, clean and dirty laboratory space, specialized small plot pressurized irrigation equipment, research-adapted small plot planters and harvesters, and a full line of commercial farm equipment for field and vegetable crop production. IREC also has a multi-purpose conference and laboratory building for extension events with high speed internet connection, wifi, and audio-visual equipment for video conferencing.   Technical assistance is available for all farming practices, field instrumentation and equipment operation, data collection, and data entry and analysis.

The Center's Research Advisory Committee will evaluate proposed research for scientific merit and regional need.  Approved projects will be eligible for center-provided support, which includes land, labor, technical assistance, equipment and facilities.

Questions about the research proposal process or about research opportunities here at IREC should be directed to Rob Wilson, Center Director, or Darrin Culp, Center Superintendent at 530/667-5117.

Proposals may be submitted into the REC Manage System via our website at IREC Proposal Submission  beginning January 21, 2021 and are due no later than March 1, 2021.