Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center The Mid-Columbia Experiment Station was established by legislative action in 1913. Continuous discovery and outreach are keys to our on-going success.

The Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MCAREC) is a branch station of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station administered by the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences. In later years, the name was changed to the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center to reflect both research and Extension activities. Until 1925, research scientists shared offices in downto

wn Hood River with agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture. In 1925, offices were moved near the present location, where they have been since 1952. From 1947 until 1972, the Experiment Station also operated a 20-acre research orchard in The Dalles. Our mission is conducting research and outreach supporting the tree fruit industry in the Mid-Columbia region, for long term economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Research and Extension faculty, research support staff, and operations and administrative staff work at the Center. In addition, visiting professors, scientists, graduate and undergraduate students and interns participate in research and Extension activities at the Center.

09/04/2026

Our offices will be closed Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.

09/03/2026

Worker Protection Standards Train the Trainer in English and Spanish, October 28-29th, 2026!

The “Train the Trainer” is a 2-day course taught in English and Spanish by trainers from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Agriculture, and Oregon State University. This is a hands-on and interactive course designed to train agricultural employers, farm managers, supervisors and individuals on how to successfully administer in-house Worker Protection Standards and safety training of agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. It provides individuals with the knowledge and tools to conduct practical pesticide safety training that complies with state and federal requirements of the EPA’s Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

For Worker Protection Standards in English, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/english-language-worker-protection-standards-train-the-trainer-tickets-1990913823841?aff=oddtdtcreator

For Worker Protection Standards in Spanish, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spanish-language-worker-protection-standards-train-the-trainer-tickets-1990907180972?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.foodandwine.com/new-pear-varieties-fall-2026-12069725Thompson and her team are in the midst of seeking new p...
09/01/2026

https://www.foodandwine.com/new-pear-varieties-fall-2026-12069725
Thompson and her team are in the midst of seeking new pear varieties that will perform well in the Pacific Northwest — they prioritize qualities like relative ease of farming, good crop load, visual attractiveness, and, of course, taste. “We’re also looking for pears that can be eaten when they’re still crunchy for the sweet spot between grower and consumer friendliness,” says Thompson.

6 New ‘It’ Pears to Look Out for This Fall | Learn more at the link in the comments 🍐

09/01/2026

This is pretty cool! Thanks for coming out to visit us! 🍐🗻

08/31/2026

After a dismal 2025 season, the pears being picked right now could mean the difference between solvency and bankruptcy.

Another successful field day in the books. Thanks everyone for coming out! And many thanks to the researchers from Centr...
07/31/2026

Another successful field day in the books. Thanks everyone for coming out! And many thanks to the researchers from Central Point and Corvallis for presenting to our growers.

College of Agricultural Sciences - Oregon State University
Oregon State University Department of Horticulture
Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District

07/28/2026

Local orchardists pulled in a “mechanically almost perfect” cherry harvest this spring, but with the market wobbling, they expect little profit.

They won’t know until they get paid in November.

Fruit quality is really good, said orchardist Jeff Heater, who also works as a crop consultant. The weather’s cooperated, with just a bit of rain that did a little damage, but not a lot. And, orchardist Dave Meyer added, nobody’s fallen off a ladder.

Columbia Gorge News spoke with three growers, and none saw a sustainable future for the cherry industry unless the market system changes.

Story link in comments.

07/07/2026

Some pear growers say they may face bankruptcy following a tough season last year.

Address

3005 Experiment Station Drive
Hood River, OR
97031

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+15413862030

Website

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