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Nestled in the fertile Santa Clara Valley a few miles from the ocean, the Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC) conducts leading-edge applied research to support the rich and diverse agricultural and natural resources of Ventura County. The Center supports a broad array of county-wide events including technical training for growers, as well as educational activities for youth, family and the community. The Center works collaboratively with UC Cooperative Extension-Ventura County advisors and programs.

Opportunities for Research and Extension at HAREC

Center Highlights 2014

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Hansen News

UC Food Observer Launches

Added January 27, 2015

For one stop nutrition, food policy and agricultural news, become a follower of UC Food Observer. This newly launched University of California blog and multi-social media format is part of the UC Global Food Initiative and provides a diverse daily dose...
4-H Student Farm Resumes Spring 2015

Added January 14, 2015

4-H Student Farm at HAREC is a collaboration with Ventura Unified School District and Food Corps. The farm produced over 800 pounds of food last school year. They are well on their way to top that this year. Spring student farmers return for spring...
Try it, You'll Like It!

Added November 25, 2014

As part of the School Wellness Policy, Sycamore Canyon School in Newbury Park offers a school-wide taste testing nutrition program called, Try It You'll Like It! The program is designed to introduce youth to a variety of fruits and vegetables and raise...
4-H Sustainable You! Train-the-Trainer

Added November 5, 2014

Participants from near and far gathered at HAREC on November 1 for training on the 4-H Sustainable You! Summer Camp curriculum (grades 4-6) developed by Dr. Rosalyn Brain and colleagues from Utah State University. Educators from Kearney and Desert RECs,...
The New Crew

Added October 24, 2014

The 4-H Student Farm is off and running for the 2014-2015 school year. New and returning student farmers from Balboa Middle School have already laid irrigation tape and planted their new crops. Chris Massa, Food Corps member is back to lead the group in...