Strategic Plan
Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research & Extension Center
College of Agricultural Sciences
Oregon State University
July 2004
CONTENTS
AN IMPERATIVE FOR CHANGE……………………...………..2
…Where MCAREC Stands……………………………..…………..2
…MCAREC Role…………………………………….……….…….3
…MCAREC Strengths……………………………………….……..4
…MCAREC Challenges……………………………………………4
…External Factors…………………………………………………4
MCAREC’S ASPIRATIONS AND BELIEFS…………………....5
…Mission………………………………………………….…..…...5
…Vision………………………………………………………..…...5
…Core Values……………………….……….…………..……..….5
…Enabling Conditions……………………………………………..5
THEMES……………………………………………….………...6
…Crop health, development and quality……………….…..…….…6
…Enhancing environment health……………………………………6
…Adding value to and improving consumer products………………7
…Technologies that enable growers to be highly competitive………7
GOALS AND INITIATIVES……………………………………7
…Strengthening production and increasing focus….………………..7
…Continue research that enhances environmental stewardship…….8
…Communication improvement…….…………….………….………8
…Increase long-term funding…………….…….…….………………9
…Construct facilities and purchase equipment…….………………...9
…Implement programs to address emerging issues and methods..…..9
…Overarching Initiatives…………………………………………….10
An Imperative for Change
In the past, researchers at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MCAREC)
focused mainly on traditional production research. Currently, shrinking University budgets,
competitiveness in a global economy, changes in technology, and legislative directives to enhance
environmental stewardship are influencing the scope and direction of our research. The challenge is
adhering to the mission of the University and College as well as addressing the needs of our traditional
clientele. Successful research programs of the future not only will include basic research but also an
emphasis on applied research with a multi-disciplinary approach. The result will be research that is
important to our industry’s success, addresses environmental issues, and accountable to the taxpayers and
funding agencies.
The dynamics of agriculture in the Mid-Columbia region are discouraging for some commodities yet
promising for others. The pear industry is experiencing financial difficulty caused by low commodity
prices. Alternative crops, short-term survival, and exit strategies are on the minds of many pear growers.
On the other hand, sweet cherry growers are cautiously optimistic about their future. New sweet cherry
rootstocks, varieties, and training systems are creating excitement and as a result, many new acres of
cherries will continue to be planted in the Mid-Columbia area in the U.S.
The success of MCAREC research and Extension activities will depend on our ability to adapt to these
changing times, take advantage of new opportunities, have a broader research focus, develop stronger
interdisciplinary research programs, and show measurable impacts from our research programs.
Where MCAREC Stands. Scientists at MCAREC specialize in research important to pear and cherry
growers. The Mid-Columbia fruit-growing region in Hood River and Wasco counties accounts for 40% of
the “winter” pears, 20% of the Bartlett "summer" pears and about 20% of the sweet cherries produced in
the United States. This fruit production has a farm gate value of approximately $80 million with an
additional $80 million in gross value. It is evident that the placement of MCAREC in the middle of this
large and bustling industry is integral to overall agricultural success and advancement.
Keys to our past success have been the five research programs at MCAREC— stone-fruit and pome-fruit
horticulture, entomology, pathology, and postharvest physiology. They have been the foundation to our
overall tree fruit research programs. Augmenting these programs are the integrations of orchard water
management, soil fertility/biology and plant nutrition, alternative crop production systems, site-specific tree
fruit management, and agricultural economics. This team approach includes many research and Extension
faculty from on- and off-campus.
We currently have eight adjunct faculty members at MCAREC. Two are Extension faculty members for
Hood River and Wasco counties, three are on-campus faculty members in the Departments of Horticulture
and Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and three boast emeritus status. The adjunct faculty at
MCAREC is composed of OSU faculty or retired MCAREC faculty, who conduct or have an interest in
research and share in our mission. The adjunct faculty members are strongly linked with MCAREC
without the financial and reporting obligations that are required by MCAREC faculty.
We solicit input from growers and industry through the twelve members of an Advisory Board. The Board
consists of growers, packinghouse representatives, environmental advocates, and elected officials. This
broad base of people represents the interest of many in our community. The strength of MCAREC’s
research and Extension activities come from the Board’s opinions and advice that is not necessarily the
mainstream thinking in our industry.
MCAREC hosts various tours throughout the year; presents information to school groups, both at the
Station and in the classroom, participates in 'shadow' and internship programs sponsored by the school
district, holds seminars presented by faculty and staff members of the Center, and has a monthly radio show
about the various programs at the Station. Numerous undergraduate and graduate students, both local and
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international, are employed at the Center, and provide fresh, innovative thinking that help propel the
Center’s research into the future.
MCAREC Role. The role of MCAREC is to provide objective-based research and Extension activities
to our clientele. Our current clientele includes tree fruit producers, field staff, and agri-businesses. Future
stakeholders may include environmental activists, additional elected officials, and other interested
individuals and organizations. Other roles of MCAREC include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Develop a solid base of objective scientific information that addresses the needs of the fruit
industry in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, enhances the environment, and improves food
quality and safety.
Show measurable, relevant impacts from the research conducted at the Station.
Seek advice from advisory boards and research commissions on existing and future issues
impacting the Mid-Columbia region.
Expand upon information found from research results.
Reach out to the members of the community to inform them about various programs at MCAREC,
current industry practices, and advancements being made.
Develop partnerships with people and organizations that benefit MCAREC’s mission. An
example would be the Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District that is housed at
MCAREC.
MCAREC Strengths. MCAREC has many competitive advantages that will encourage the College
and the tree fruit industry to invest their resources.
■ We are ideally situated in the center of 25,000 acres of tree fruit production and supporting
industries. – The majority of our clientele have easy access to scientists and Extension personnel that
can provide immediate information to solving problems in our programs. This is an invaluable resource
readily available for all that are involved in the industry.
■
Our geographic location is relative not only to growers and the industry, but its proximity to
campus and other growing regions is highly convenient and practical. – In the midst of thousands
of acres of tree fruit we are also well situated between the Southern Oregon Experiment Station,
Corvallis USDA Horticulture labs, WSU’s Prosser and Wenatchee’s Experiment Stations, and Yakima
and Wenatchee’s USDA labs.
■
We have disciplines that complement each other in applied research activities, forming a
dynamic blend of senior faculty, assistant professors and students, all closely tied with Extension
faculty as well as several adjunct faculty members. – These groups of intellectuals augment
research and Extension activities throughout the Mid-Columbia region. We also have cohesive
partnerships with other agencies and Universities.
■
An infrastructure for research – We have the available land, adequate numbers, size and age of
orchard blocks that researchers can perform basic and applied research. Many of our facilities are older
but in decent repair. Lab equipment is becoming more current with state-of-the-art technologies.
■
Excellent grower cooperation – The local fruit growers have been continuously supportive and have
participated in many applied research projects that have expanded into commercial applications. Their
involvement helps make the research facilitated at MCAREC turn into beneficial and applicable
practices.
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MCAREC Challenges. The situations found at MCAREC are not unique to any specific unit in the
College of Agricultural Sciences or, for that matter, any unit in the University. The major hurdles found in
maintaining and expanding research programs are:
■
Shrinking budgets from the College. – This is due to a struggling state economy and voter apathy
towards the public sector. The most logical and immediate solution to dealing with past budget cuts
was to reduce the number of employees on the farm crew and then by removing orchards that no
longer served a purpose for research.
■
Added reliance on the competitive grant process and private sources for supplemental short- and
long-term funding. – This is necessary for research assistants, technical help, and program support.
■
Engaging the fruit industry with research and Extension activities. With increased grower
awareness and interest, priorities will be distinctly defined with ultimately stronger ties back to the
industry.
External Factors. Listed below are points from our industry analysis that will likely affect our
clientele base, our research mission, and future research and Extension directions.
■
Competition from other countries – Turkey (cherries), China (apples) and the Southern Hemisphere
(pears).
■
Trade issues – Methylbromide use in exports, canned pears from South Africa and China.
■
Mentoring, training, and financial opportunities for promising young people to enter into agriculture.
■
Market prices for both pears and cherries.
■
Growers who have suffered from past production and market risks and have established new orchards,
having the financial capital to withstand fluctuating markets.
■
Environmental problems – water and soil related.
■
Out-of-area packinghouses competing for local fruit, thereby increasing overhead costs for local
packinghouses and thus lowering grower returns.
■
Labor availability and productivity.
■
The orchard industry continuing to be Number One in economic importance to the Mid-Columbia
region.
MCAREC’s Aspirations and Beliefs
OSU-MCAREC will assist OSU to become a top 10 Land Grant University in the U.S. by being the
number one integrated pear and sweet cherry research Center in the world. We will accomplish this by
maintaining fundamental programs and augmenting contemporary research faculty and programs as new
problems arise in the industry. Our hallmark will be integrating comprehensive production and natural
resource research programs and faculty to solve difficult problems.
Mission. The OSU-MCAREC includes research scientists, students and Extension faculty committed to
developing a solid base of objective scientific information that addresses the needs of the fruit industry of
Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
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Vision. To provide the leadership for basic and applied research relevant to the tree fruit industry. We
are committed to increasing profitability, economic growth and the wise use of our natural resources, while
strengthening partnerships with the community.
Core Values. Accountability, Commitment, Integrity and Vision are our guiding principles.
Continuous learning and scholarship are the keys to our ongoing success.
Enabling Conditions. Success in reaching our vision requires us to establish a working environment
that:
■ promotes stronger research cooperation with other scientists, quality students on campus, and increased
Extension publications.
■ excels our obligation to provide growers, field-staff, and agri-businesses with answers relating to
horticulture, plant pathology, postharvest physiology, entomology, soil fertility/biology and plant
nutrition, and agricultural economics.
■ inspires faculty to adapt research programs to emerging issues and contemporary research methods.
■ provides quality research facilities and equipment.
■ encourages better communication of research results to help growers lower costs, increase product
marketability, and increase demand for cherries and pears.
■ fosters close ties with Extension faculty.
■ involves adjunct faculty that augment research and Extension activities in the Mid-Columbia area.
Themes
We have identified four major research areas that are essential in addressing industry concerns and ensuring
our success as a leader in pear and sweet cherry research. The MCAREC themes fall under the University’s
premise of managing natural resources that contribute to Oregon’s quality of life and growing and
sustaining natural resources-based industries. Additionally, the themes recognize the College of
Agriculture Sciences’ research emphasis to work toward preeminence in food, nutrition, and health, as
well as in water and watersheds.
Through the integrated programs at MCAREC, all contribute to each theme. The following lists the
highlights of these programs:
Theme 1
Crop health, development and quality
These areas of research are important to continuing the core mission of MCAREC and the financial
success of our industry.
Stone-Fruit Horticulture will continue to focus on testing new dwarfing, precocious rootstocks,
cultivars and training systems, as well as water and soil management techniques to achieve compact
trees capable of producing high yields of quality fruit in the 3rd or 4th year in the field. New research
areas include tree water relations and stress physiology, novel irrigation methods, crop load
management, developmental physiology (such as the methods to manipulate vegetative growth,
flowering and fruit set).
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The new Soil fertility/biology and plant nutrition program will focus on soil fertility and plant nutrition
for both economically and environmentally sound tree fruit production.
In Pome-Fruit Horticulture rootstock research will focus on the development and/or identification of
rootstocks, which induce smaller tree size, precocity, early production, high quality and large-sized
fruit.
Theme 2
Enhancing environmental health
This research area complements our existing programs and strengthens our IFP research concept.
The Stone-Fruit Horticulture program is conducting new research to measure soil water content in
sweet cherry orchards to quantify tree water use; this research will investigate different water
management strategies for water conservation and improved tree water use.
The integral Soil fertility/biology and plant nutrition programs will improve soil quality and optimizing
nitrogen uptake.
The goal of the Entomology program has been and continues to be the development and
implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs for tree fruits of the Mid-Columbia
area. These programs are highly beneficial as they are less reliant on broad-spectrum pesticides,
emphasize the use of selective, less harmful control alternatives to conserve biological control, and
pose no threat to water quality.
Plant Pathology will continue to use predictive models for disease as an important component of IFP.
In the future, disease models, current infection conditions, and integration of disease models with
weather data will be available on a real time basis to growers through the Internet, which has generated
high interest. Models to predict fruit decay in storage also are being developed for blue mold and gray
mold of apples and pears. Postharvest models employ a molecular approach using real time PCR to
relate populations of pathogens in the orchard to decay in storage.
Theme 3
Adding value to and improving consumer products
Consistency in fruit products on the retail shelf is especially important for improving grower returns.
This research area explores new technologies and methods of improving fruit quality.
The Postharvest Physiology program at MCAREC is focused on preserving fruit quality, lengthening
marketability, and reducing postharvest disorders of pear and cherry. Current research includes the use
of coating and 1-MCP treatments to reduce scald, decay, and increase storability of fruit.
Theme 4
Technologies that enable growers to be highly competitive
Lowering the per unit costs of producing fruit, enhancing environmental stewardship, and exploring
alternative crops are essential to keep Mid-Columbia growers profitable and competitive, especially for
the significant percentage of growers with smaller farms.
The Agricultural Economics program will estimate the economic benefits of research conducted at
MCAREC, the profitability and feasibility of adopting technologies at the grower level, and consumer
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sensory evaluations that determine the demand and price differential for new pear and cherry cultivars,
fruit size and color, and packaging.
Postharvest research is studying the use of the stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) technique to develop
maturity indices for major pear varieties. This will provide the industry with a simple method to
accurately predict maturity.
Stone-Fruit Horticulture research is investigating protected cultivation of sweet cherries in multi-bay
plastic tunnels as an alternative farming system that hopes to provide off-season fruit to increase
profitability to small farmers in the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon.
Plant Pathology will continue its vital studies on molecular techniques such as PCR, real time PCR and
ELISA used in early detection, pathogen identification, and quantitative population monitoring.
Goals and Initiatives
MCAREC’s goals and initiatives support the CAS Aims for the future. MCAREC’s success depends, in
part, on our ability to reach the following goals:
Goal 1
Strengthening production agriculture research and increasing focus on
consumer preferences and food safety issues.
As a measure of progress over the next three years, we will:
1. establish a postharvest advisory committee by 2005 that will assist in developing research
priorities important to the industry.
2. establish a pear rootstock and cultivar advisory committee by 2005 that will help to identify
research priorities and needs. This group will also work in alliance with the Washington State
Advisory committees already in existence.
3. include sweet cherries in consumer sensory evaluations to determine information about new
cultivars and will conduct five evaluations by 2007.
4. continue the development and implementation of integrated fruit production programs that are
less reliant on broad-spectrum pesticides, reduce overall pesticide use in the area, increase use
of web-based disease and pest models by 10%, and obtain two sprayer technology grants
totaling $250,000 by 2007.
Goal 2
Continue research that enhances environmental stewardship.
All programs at MCAREC implement Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) principles. The goals of the
IFP program are to emphasize maintaining the economic health of the industry while using
ecologically sound production methods.
As a measure of progress over the next three years, we will:
1. strengthen the research on water-soil relations by utilizing existing lysimeters in the IFP Pear
Block to study nutrient movement in the soil. This will have program support funding by
2007.
2. complete the multi-bay plastic tunnel system in 2005.
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3.
4.
5.
establish an organic sweet cherry block to study the effects of orchard floor management on
plant, fruit and root growth by 2006.
develop the Daum Block as a water-soil relationship project demonstrating the latest in
technologies that measure environmental factors, to be completed in 2007.
strengthen the research of optimizing the use of irrigation water and the impact of deficit
irrigation on tree performance and productivity, as well as develop practical methods to help
growers implement efficient, site-specific irrigation management practices.
Goal 3
Improve the communication of research results to our clientele and peers.
We are convinced that our research and Extension activities help growers lower costs, and increase
product marketability and demand for cherries and pears. It is imperative that we convey the impacts
of our research to clientele as well as show our economic impacts and accountability to taxpayers and
sponsors of our research.
As a measure of progress over the next three years, we will:
1. increase the number of refereed journal articles to twelve annually (two per faculty member
each year), 64% over the average of the past three years.
2. increase the number of OSU Special Reports to ten annually, a 20% increase over the past
three-year average.
3. continue to host an annual MCAREC Research Accomplishments workshop for the pear
industry.
4. continue to host an annual MCAREC Research Review for the cherry industry.
5. submit a quarterly report to the fruit industry, beginning Fall 2004.
6. increase visibility in the local newspaper by submitting four articles per year, maintain our
twelve annual radio interviews, and submit four articles annually to industry magazines.
Goal 4
Increase long-term funding.
Our ability to provide stability for research assistants, new equipment, maintain facilities and vehicles
all depend on our capacity to generate new resources. It is imperative to have a balanced funding
portfolio. 40.5% of our total MCAREC budget is currently funded by sources other than OSU, and will
increase to 43% in three years if OSU funds are held constant. The current composition of outside
funding is 42% from commodity commissions, 37% competitive grants, and 21% private funding.
What a well-balanced financial portfolio should be is relatively unknown, but our current goals allow
for an overall increase.
As a measure of progress over the next three years, we will:
1. increase annual private funding to $150,000 per year, a 16% increase over 2003.
2. increase the competitive grant funding by 2007 to $250,000 per year, a 6% increase from
2003.
3. increase commodity commission funding by 2007 to $275,000 per year, which will be a 5%
increase over 2003.
Goal 5
Construct facilities and purchase equipment that enhances research projects.
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Three development plans have been identified by the MCAREC faculty, which will greatly enhance
current and new research. These include 1) a sweet cherry packingline; 2) a greenhouse; and 3) an
equipment and vehicle replacement fund.
As a measure of progress over the next three years, we will:
1. have a research sweet cherry packingline in place that can generate packout information that
is more representative of the industry by 2007.
2. have obtained donations from the industry that total 50% of the funds required to build a
greenhouse by 2007.
3. have an account established for “MCAREC Believers” to contribute funds for vehicle
replacement and state-of-the-art research equipment by 2006.
Goal 6
Implement programs by faculty and students that address emerging issues
and contemporary research methods.
To assure that we are conducting relevant and contemporary research, a strong effort will be made to
recruit new OSU faculty with innovative ideas and training.
As a measure of progress over the next three years, we will:
1. through the priority staffing process we will fill the postharvest and soils position with
permanent tenured track faculty by 2007.
2. have full program funding for our new Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition program. Full
funding will include a lab, research assistant and appropriate equipment by 2007.
3. increase the number of adjunct faculty from eight to ten members by 2007.
4. encourage the Advisory Board to establish an annual set of priorities for the Experiment
Station beginning in 2005.
5. encourage MCAREC faculty members to take sabbaticals, host outstanding scholars from
around the world, and attend professional training workshops within their disciplines. We will
maintain an average of three hosting scholars annually and increase the number of
professional training sessions to one every two years for each faculty member.
6. retain and recruit additional high quality students to help innovate the research performed at
MCAREC while providing an enriching experience for the student in applicable, real-life
scientific studies. We will increase the number of on-site students by 50% by 2007.
Overarching Initiatives. Unique to MCAREC is how we have implemented the Integrated Fruit
Production (IFP) model to be leaders in contemporary tree fruit research. We use this model to
demonstrate how research programs can be integrated into a ‘systems approach’ that attempts to account
for changes in the orchard environment. The ultimate goal of this approach is to help the industry present a
final fruit product with consistency in appearance, taste, and quality that is produced with environmental
stewardship, yet profitable to the industry. Figure 1 shows the areas of tree fruit production,
processing/packing, marketing, technology and environmental research and the OSU researchers aligned
with those areas. This model also shows both the complexity and interdisciplinary research that is
paramount to providing quality research programs.
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Figure 1. OSU-MCAREC’s Model for Conducting Tree Fruit Research Activities
Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) Research Programs
Seavert, et al
Seavert
Nunez-Elisea/Mielke/Castagnoli
Nunez-Elisea
PRECISION AG/SITESPECIFIC MGMT
ECONOMICS
ORCHARD
ESTABLISHMENT
PRUNING & TRAINING
Nunez-Elisea
Nunez-Elisea
ALTERNATIVE
PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
POLLINATION
Jenkins/Jepson
ENVIRONMENTAL
TOXICOLOGY
FROST / RODENT
CONTROL
Bai/Marin
SENSORY
EVALUATIONS
Bai
VALUE ADDED /
FRESH CUT
At MCAREC, the goal of Research and
Extension in IFP and Marketing is to help
the industry present a final fruit product
with consistency in appearance, taste,
quality, and that is produced with
environmental stewardship, yet profitable
to the industry.
Yin/Azarenko
FERTILITY
MANAGEMENT
Nunez-Elisea
CROP LOAD
MANAGEMENT
Bai
POST HARVEST
STORAGE
Nunez-Elisea/Azarenko
HARVEST
MANAGEMENT
WEED MANAGEMENT
Spotts
Riedl
Azarenko
Nunez-Elisea
DISEASE
MANAGEMENT
PEST MANAGEMENT
ORCHARD FLOOR
MANAGEMENT
IRRIGATION
MANAGEMENT
Fully engaged in Research & Integrated projects
No current research projects in these areas at this time
ID as a need: projects dependent on time, $, &/or expertise
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