About us

The UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (KARE) is a world-class research operation in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley from which flows a steady stream of practical ideas and solutions ready for implementation by the region's farmers.

Scientific research conducted at Kearney has advanced understanding of every aspect of production and environmental management related to the valley's bounty of fruits, vegetables and field crops. It is no coincidence that Kearney is located in what has become the state's No. 1 agricultural county, on land that is some of the most productive in the world.

With resident faculty conducting basic as well as field research, the center is like a mini university campus. It also serves as a research base for dozens of off-station scientists from UC Riverside, UC Davis and UC Berkeley, and farm advisors from San Joaquin Valley UC Cooperative Extension. Not surprisingly, it is the most utilized off-campus agricultural research facility in the UC system. Thousands of people visit the center or participate in its meetings, workshops, field days and seminars annually.

Kearney's 330 acres of research facilities encompass a state-of-the-art greenhouse, a postharvest laboratory, a mosquito control laboratory, multiple insectaries, and academic and administrative offices. Its controlled field studies occupy 260 acres of orchards, vineyards and fields.

KARE scientists have developed novel cultivation, pruning and planting methods for the major valley crops, while at the same time studying newer specialty crops like blueberries and Southeast Asian fruits and vegetables. Kearney has also been one of the key testing grounds for sustainable farming methods, such as integrated pest management (IPM), biological control, water conservation and nitrogen management.

Kearney is one of nine UC Agriculture and Natural Resources research and extension centers in California. View the video linked below for a virtual tour of Kearney REC.

Kearney REC Tour (youtube.com)