Collins Agricultural Consultants, Inc. (CAC, Inc.) has conducted independent research for the agricultural chemical industry and commodity groups since 1972. Through our continued commitment to quality and thoroughness, CAC, Inc. is a leading field research organization in the Pacific Northwest, conducting field efficacy and GLP Residue Trials in EPA regions 11, 12 and 13.
Our well-equipped facilities, experienced research staff, and Pacific Northwest location enable us to adapt to client-specific objectives and sponsor requirements. CAC, Inc.’s geographically diverse work areas include; various soil types, climatic conditions, crops, pests, and cultural practices. Our on-site location has tree fruits, small fruits, nuts, vine crops and field crop sites. Additional crop options, including commercial fields for large-scale testing purposes, are also available under long-term lease agreements. Complete site control and irrigation assure successful study completion.
CAC, Inc. is committed to serving our industry with proven ability to provide quality and cost-effective research. Strict confidentiality and compliance with regulatory standards are always given the highest priority in our daily operations.
Facilities
CAC, Inc. headquarters is located in the Willamette Valley, where over 80 crops are commercially produced. Our 30-acre irrigated research farm offers custom planting for specialized efficacy and residue studies. This 30-acre area allows for proper land rotation to assure a clean pesticide history. Products tested are not restricted to chemical controls and may involve use of cultural controls, biological controls, and other innovative materials for pest control.
Another of CAC, Inc.'s research farms is located in the Columbia Basin in Hermiston, Oregon. The Columbia Basin area offers more than 30 commercially grown crops including; alfalfa, wheat, potatoes, peppermint, and many different seed crops. There is also considerable acreage of orchards producing pome fruits, stone fruits, wine and table grapes. Soil types are very sandy and the primary method of irrigation is by center pivot.
Research is also conducted in Hawaii (Region 13) where our strong relationship with grower cooperators is utilized.
All research farms have continuous monitoring systems for test substance and freezer storage, as well as on-site weather stations.
Quality Assurance
The CAC, Inc. quality assurance unit ensures regulatory compliance of facility operations and GLP study conduct, and provides GLP facility, field trial, electronic notebook and raw data audits. Our established quality management system provides sponsors with peace of mind for successfully placing projects.
Personnel
CAC, Inc. personnel have extensive experience in agricultural production and research. Interaction with local growers keeps us updated with the most current crop production practices in the region. Key personnel are listed below and staffing flexibility is in place to expand at any time to include agriculture-related specialties, technicians, equipment operators and farm laborers.
Craig Collins, Entomologist, Director of Research
Sean Collins, Agronomist, Research Manager
Ross Benedict, Field Operations Manager
Chris Rechner, Greenhouse Manager
Lucas Norton-Guerra, Research Technician
Susan Schimelfining, Quality Assurance
Cheri Collins, Office Manager