The South Coast Research & Extension Center (South Coast REC) is soliciting proposals for new research and extension projects July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Located on 200 acres in Orange County, South Coast REC research and extension projects and programs focus on a variety of agriculture and natural resource topics including variety development, crop and landscape pest management, irrigation management, plant disease, rootstock development, and alternative weed control methods in managed systems. As reclaimed water is the main irrigation source provided to the Center by the local water district, researchers can assist in the development of reclaimed water management strategies; an increasingly important resource for the long-term sustainability of agriculture and urban environments. The Center also continues to welcome the submission of research and extension projects addressing broader topics, such as the impacts of climate change on urban and agricultural ecosystems.

The Center provides research projects with skilled farming equipment operators, irrigators, some limited indoor research facilities (ex. plant sample processing lab), and technical and management support. Projects led by UC academics receive funding directly from UC ANR and South Coast REC to reduce the actual cost of research and extension at the Center. A discounted rate is also available for new advisors who are starting a project within 5 years of being hired. Proposals from non-UC organizations will be considered if resources (space and labor) are available, but the full cost rate is charged plus the non-university differential (NUD currently is set at 36%). 

*An Advisor is considered a New Advisor if they have been in their role for less than 5 years. For the 25-26 year, a hire date of July 1, 2020 or later is required.

**Includes the cost of the Non-University Differential (NUD).

New Projects

When proposing new projects, please submit your proposal through the 'Submitting a Proposal' page on our website to provide the South Coast REC staff with detailed information about your research needs, including acreage, greenhouse requirements, labor, and technical assistance.

There you will find detailed instruction on how to submit your research proposal. Please contact Lindsey Pedroncelli at lrpedroncelli@ucanr.edu with any issues you may encounter.

The system is currently open for off-cycle proposals.

Continuing Projects and Completed Projects

A continuing project will only need to submit a short Annual Report for Continuing REC Project identifying accomplishments in the previous year and any significant changes to the original research proposal.

Projects completed in 24-25 will need to complete and upload a Completion Report.

For questions about research opportunities at South Coast REC or technical difficulties with the proposal process, please reach out to the following:

Lindsey Pedroncelli, Center Director, lrpedroncelli@ucanr.edu

Chris Martinez, Superintendent, cpmartinez@ucanr.edu

Kat Hicklin, Business Officer, khicklin@ucanr.edu