Hundreds of strawberry growers, researchers and industry members are expected to turn out for the Cal Poly Strawberry Center Field Day Aug. 8.
The annual event is held to help attendees learn about the latest in innovative farming technology and research and “help growers better combat challenges and grow more efficiently and sustainably,” said Jeff Cardinale, director of communications for the Watsonville-based California Strawberry Commission.
The Strawberry Field Day will mark the 10th year the commission and Cal Poly have partnered to advance California’s strawberry industry while yielding groundbreaking research, education and innovation, Cardinale said. The gathering, which will include lunch, is the largest research and education event for the California strawberry industry, he added.
Participants will visit automation, entomology and plant-pathology stations and learn from strawberry commission research and automation team members, Cal Poly students and program staff about the latest research taking place at the Strawberry Center in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Topics will include the newest automation technology, how to tackle predatory mites, soil-borne pathogens of strawberries and more.
“The California Strawberry Commission’s vision of a dedicated strawberry-centered research center has been a huge success, and the partnership with Cal Poly will continue to produce groundbreaking advancements in the strawberry industry,” said William Turechek, the commission’s vice president of research.
“The [California Strawberry Commission] has vetted and prioritized research that provides scientific solutions to policy issues, increases revenues, reduces costs and builds industry reputation,” Cardinale said. “The field day provides a great opportunity for growers to see their investment in research in action.”
