IREC calls for research proposals

Orchardgrass test plot at Intermountain Research & Extension Center.

The Intermountain Research and Extension Center is soliciting proposals from researchers for new and continuing research projects in 2023-24.

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 postharvest 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 multipurpose conference and laboratory building for extension events with high-speed internet connection, Wi-Fi 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.

Proposal forms can be found via the IREC website at  IREC Proposal Submission.  For new proposals please fill out the REC New Project Proposal form and submit via email to Rob Wilson at rgwilson@ucanr.edu or Darrin Culp at daculp@ucanr.edu. 

The closing date for the 2023-24 call for proposals is March 24, 2023. Off-cycle proposals can also be submitted any time of year; off-cycle proposal acceptance is based on labor and land availability.

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