About

Mission Statement:
Our goal is to increase the sustainability of the California strawberry industry through research and education that addresses industry needs.

Center Overview
The Center is a partnership between the California Strawberry Commission (CSC) and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Formed in 2013 through a memorandum of understanding, the Center began taking shape in 2014 with the hiring of a director, plant pathologist, research associate and part-time administrative coordinator. The initial team began conducting research on soil-borne pathogens and fumigation alternatives, two pressing issues facing the industry. In its first five years, the Center expanded its research reach to three main programs, which are all three still in existence today:
• Plant Pathology
• Entomology
• Automation

In its first nine years, the Strawberry Center secured over $3.48M in extramural funding and over $1.5M in gifts to conduct 168 projects.

Cal Poly’s Learn-By-Doing philosophy fits seamlessly with the Center’s mission. More than 121 students have received industry-related work experience; 49 have landed paid internships; 35 senior projects and 20 Master's theses were mentored by Center staff.

Cal Poly Strawberry Center, Highlights Video
Produced by Dr. Moses Mike, Professor, Cal Poly Agricultural Education and Communication Dept.