The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Division currently operates nine Research and Extension Centers. The system of Centers supports field research, education and extension activities and provides solutions to today's challenges. Academics from the University of California, as well as the California State University System, other out-of-state universities and other organizations such as the USDA's Agriculture Research Service, propose projects annually for consideration, review, and approval to conduct research at the Centers. Each Center has a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and in collaboration with the Center Director it evaluates research proposals in fields accommodated at the RECs. The RACs make recommendations to the Center Directors about research projects; the final decisions rest with the directors.
Last week both Hopland and Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Centers held their annual meetings of the RACs to evaluate research proposals. Between the Centers, 11 new proposals were reviewed. Decisions about final projects will be forthcoming and listed on the Hopland and Sierra Foothill REC Websites.