April 9,2014
Renowned plant pathologists Gerald Holmes and Kelly Ivors have been named to head research and development efforts at the new Strawberry Sustainability Research and Education Center at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
The Strawberry Sustainability Research and Education Center, a one-of-a-kind partnership between Cal Poly’s College of Food, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (CAFES) and the California Strawberry Commission, is rooted in the hands-on learning model that defines the university. The center will focus on applied research that incorporates both teaching and learning experiences for Cal Poly students, faculty and California strawberry farmers.
“The strawberry industry is critical to the state of California, and the new Strawberry Sustainability Research and Education Center will play a leading role in ensuring its strength now and into the future,” said Andy Thulin, interim dean of the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Design. “Dr. Holmes brings the perfect mix of academic and private industry experience to this job.”
Rick Tomlinson, president of the California Strawberry Commission said, “We are thrilled to be part of this unique collaboration to address challenges facing California’s strawberry farmers. We are committed to a robust program focused on innovation and applied research to help keep strawberry farming viable in California.”
Applied research and innovation across multiple disciplines, coupled with access to real-world issues will enable Cal Poly and the California Strawberry Commission to achieve their shared vision of establishing a world-class center focused on the sustainability of California strawberry farming.
“This Cal Poly project is a landmark for California farming,” said state Senator Bill Monning. “I hope that the Strawberry Sustainability Center will serve as a model for how agriculture, academia and government can work together for mutual benefit. I applaud the state’s strawberry farmers for aggressively pursuing innovative practices and new technologies intended to promote sustainability and reduce any adverse impacts on the environment.”
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