Aug 15, 2024

10th annual Strawberry Center Field Day showcases innovations for sustainable farming

The California Strawberry Commission (CSC) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its collaboration with Cal Poly at the Strawberry Center Field Day on Aug. 8 in San Luis Obispo. The event highlighted advancements in sustainable farming practices that benefit growers, farmworkers and the environment.

Over the past decade, the Strawberry Center has grown from a focus on plant pathology to an institution with expertise in entomology and automation. It has evaluated over 1,500 strawberry genotypes for disease resistance, trained 147 students and secured $7.7 million in funding.

Key innovations showcased at the event included non-chemical pest management solutions, automation tools for improving efficiency and research into controlling soilborne pathogens. Allen Davis, board chairman for CSC, emphasized the importance of collaboration between CSC and the Strawberry Center in advancing sustainable farming practices.

Rick Tomlinson, president at CSC, noted that the research conducted at the Strawberry Center has been vital in equipping growers with the tools needed for a sustainable future. The Strawberry Center was established in 2014 to enhance the sustainability of California’s $3.4 billion strawberry industry through research and education.

For more information, visit strawberry.calpoly.edu.