Strawberries are California’s third-highest-grossing crop, contributing $3.02 billion to the state’s economy and accounting for 70,000 jobs. How producers cultivate this vital crop impacts environmental stewardship in the Golden State.
The California Strawberry Commission recently published a white paper addressing these impacts; “California Strawberries: Growing a Sustainable Future” is a snapshot of innovative, sustainable farming practices and research being implemented throughout the industry that benefit the land, people and communities and makes growing 90% of the nation’s strawberries possible, according to the news release.
The snapshot focuses on the industry’s three sustainability pillars: environmental stewardship, economic impact and growing communities. From the use of drip irrigation and integrated pest management practices to supporting the local community and investing in research, the snapshot outlines key achievements within each of these three pillars, according to the release.
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The report also outlines the current state of automation and pathology research through the Commission’s partnership with the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, the release said.
“Our growers are progressive and environmentally conscious, and they continue to invest in research to remain sustainable while farming under the toughest regulations in the world here in California,” Rick Tomlinson, president of the California Strawberry Commission, said in the release. “Sustainability is an important topic among consumers, retailers and lawmakers and California strawberry farmers continue to lead the way in agriculture innovation, technology and research to meet future demands.”
To learn more, view or download the California Strawberries: Growing a Sustainable Future snapshot.
