RCAS members visit Rutgers Gardens, which hosts Cook’s Market, one of two farmers markets run by Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
Rutgers University hosted the 2025 Fall Meeting of the Research Center Administrators Society (RCAS)—a national organization dedicated to the professional development and collaboration of administrators who manage agricultural research and experiment stations across the United States. Held from September 21–24, the meeting welcomed approximately 80 participants from across the United States—from California and Florida to North Carolina and New York.
The national meeting brought together leaders from Agricultural Research Centers and Experiment Stations to explore the future of research management, collaboration and innovation in agriculture. Over three days, attendees toured Rutgers’ statewide network of research and extension centers, highlighting the university’s broad contributions to agricultural advancement, sustainability and economic development.
RCAS is dedicated to raising the visibility and importance of research center administration and serves as a collaborative platform for members to exchange practical solutions to the complex challenges involved in managing research centers. Twice a year, RCAS hosts a Fall and Winter meeting at a different location throughout the United States. This fall’s meeting featured the following tour highlights:
- Pine Island Cranberry Company, featuring a live cranberry harvest and discussion on water management and modern production practices.
- P.E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension, where participants learned about small fruit breeding, pest management, and grower engagement.
- Aquaculture Innovation Center, showcasing oyster breeding and marine stewardship research.
- Food Innovation Center, a nationally recognized business incubator supporting food entrepreneurs and companies with FDA- and USDA-inspected facilities.
- Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) and highlighting specialty crop research and precision agriculture.
- Pinelands Research Institute and Rancocas Creek Farms, emphasizing ecological research, fire management, and community engagement in the Pine Barrens.
- County Conservation Company, a model for sustainable composting and recycling operations.
- Plant Science Research and Extension Farm showcased Rutgers’ world-leading turfgrass breeding program.
- Rutgers Gardens, featuring new pollinator and rain gardens and remarks from Executive Dean Laura Lawson.
- Horticultural Research Farm 3, where guests observed the hazelnut breeding program and ongoing horticultural innovations.
Evening dinners were hosted at Locust Hall Farm, County Conservation Company and the Cold Spring Village Grange Restaurant, each highlighting New Jersey’s rich agricultural heritage. The closing dinner at Locust Hall Farm featured presentations by the Johnson family, Josh Kohut, Dean of Research, SEBS and Director of Research, NJAES, and Brian Schilling, Director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Senior Associate Director of NJAES.
The RCAS Fall Meeting provided an exceptional opportunity for research administrators to exchange ideas and strengthen national collaborations, while showcasing Rutgers’ leadership in agricultural research, environmental stewardship and community partnership.
Tour of Pine Island Cranberry Company, featuring a live cranberry harvest and discussion on water management and modern production practices.
