OSU’s Mid-Columbia Ag Research and Extension Center Hires New Director

Oregon State University's Mid-Columbia Ag Research and Extension Center in Hood River has brought on a new director Steve Castagnoli.

The first steps are clear according to Castagnoli.

“We’ve had two research program leaders leave the University to accept positions at other institutions and so that’s left some pretty big gaps in our overall research effort and so the focus is on restaffing and rebuilding those programs.”

Castagnoli has been part of the MCAREC for about 17 years researching tree fruit production, mostly sweet cherries and pears.

The focus though is on the farmers and Castagnoli that’s critical to the University and their particular extension.

“Our mission is to conduct research that helps them continue to be profitable.”

Castagnoli pointed out that the Mid-Columbia area has many unique challenges that are different for growing cherries, pears and beyond that are key to their research, but some of the work they do will also be beneficial to other areas across the Northwest.

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