UVM Horticulture Research and Education Center (HREC)

The 97 acre Horticulture Research and Education Center (HREC) is the primary field laboratory site for applied teaching, research, and outreach activities on agronomic and horticultural crops conducted by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Extension faculty and staff.
Apples on a tree branch

Research

Each year the farm hosts numerous research projects. These research projects are conducted by professors, students and extension agents. Our goal is to support Vermont's agricultural communities with relevant, evidence-based research.
Teaching pavilion with a tree on a farm

Education

Students are integral in carrying out all activities of the farm, and this experiential learning environment provides them with real and diverse sustainable farm management skills. We offer a 6-month certificate program as well as a variety of classes for degree students.
Collecting honey from the hive

Community

There are a variety of ways to purchase produce grown at the farm: through our CSA, at Burlington's Old North End Farmer's Market, or at our weekly Farm Stand. In addition, the farm is home to various community organizations. These organizations offer classes, workshops, and tours to local residents
antique tractor and catamount farm sign

HREC also the home of the Catamount Educational Farm

Catamount Farm models sustainable farming practices through a working vegetable and fruit farm. The farm provides educational and research opportunities for the UVM community, as well as fresh produce for sale. Students are integral to all activities on the farm, from planting to marketing.

Experiential Learning at Catamount Farm

Students are integral in carrying out all activities on the 10-acre Catamount Farm, and this experiential learning environment provides them with real and diverse sustainable farm management skills. Students gain hands-on experience in:

  • Vegetable, flower and herb production
  • Soil health and fertility management
  • Crop planning and field mapping 
  • Compost production and use
  • Cover cropping and crop rotation systems
  • Propagation and greenhouse management
  • Harvest and post-harvest handling techniques
  • Farm financials
  • Agricultural business planning
Vegetables on a cutting board
Catamount Farm CSA Shares are available to the community

Produce grown at the farm is sold to the UVM community through summer and fall Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, at a local farmer’s market, and at the Catamount Farm Stand. Some of the produce is also sold to UVM’s Sodexo food service and served in campus eateries and dining halls. Catamount Farm enables students to be immersed in the local food system working alongside expert farmers and educators.