For the last quarter-century, a small southern Ohio village has hosted a center with university scientists conducting world-class agricultural research, and area entrepreneurs have thrived thanks to guidance from the center’s expert marketing and development specialists.

It was Oct. 1, 1991, when The Ohio State University South Centers first opened its doors. Then known as the Piketon Research and Extension Center, the facility was designed to help Ohio State expand its land-grant mission of providing science-based outreach and engagement in the area.

The center will host an anniversary open house with refreshments and in-depth walking and wagon tours to allow visitors to get a firsthand look at the operation, Worley said.

Participants will be able to visit and talk with specialists working in:

• Aquaculture. In addition to the fish ponds and hatchery, visitors to the aquaculture program will also be able to see the genetics lab.

• Specialty crops. The center is home to research trials on small fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, as well as Chinese goji berries, elderberries and chokeberries. Visitors will be able to learn about the center’s research on wine grape varieties and hops and malting barley production. The center is also home to the university’s pumpkin research trials and is home base for its study of high tunnels, or hoop houses, for extending Ohio’s growing season for specialty crops.

• Soil, Water and Bioenergy. This team’s focus is on agricultural practices that sustain soil and water resources and are economical for growers.

• Business. The center’s business programs include a Small Business Development Center and a business incubator, the 27,000-square-foot Endeavor Center, which currently houses 18 different businesses that have ongoing activities throughout southern Ohio, Worley said.

Also on hand will be specialists with the center’s Ohio Cooperative Development Center and Ohio Direct Marketing program.

For more information about the open house, contact Charissa Gardner at 740-289-2071, ext. 132, or  [email protected].