Centers and Institutes

The Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is known for bringing together industry, government and academia to address real-world issues through its multidisciplinary centers and institutes. 

Strawberry Center ›

The Strawberry Center is a partnership between Cal Poly and the California Strawberry Commission. The Center focuses on applied research in plant pathologyentomology and automation designed to reduce labor inputs. The Center conducts disease diagnostics on hundreds of strawberry plants each year. Students have opportunities to prepare for careers in agriculture by participating in the “Strawberry Academy” designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities in strawberry production and research.

The Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research at Cal Poly ›

The Center for Organic Production and Research is a unique learning model that will develop research and innovation across disciplines, focusing on real-world issues that directly impact California’s $3.5 billion organic farmgate (more than $10 billion across over the California organic supply chain). The center will support transdisciplinary research and teaching opportunities in topics related to organic soils, plant nutrition, pest management, agricultural education, and marketing.

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Institute 

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Institute is a mission driven organization that seeks solutions to the Wildland Urban Interface fire problem through innovative research, training, and education to create safer and more fire resilient communities in California and the West.

Dairy Innovation Institute ›

The Dairy Innovation Institute (DII) supports the maintenance, growth and continued economic health of the dairy foods industry. The overall mission of the Dairy Innovation Institute is to support the maintenance, growth and continued economic health of the dairy foods industry. To accomplish this mission, the DII conduct timely research that provides the scientific and technological basis for new and improved dairy food products and processes which utilize dairy-based ingredients. Increase the number of well-trained students available to enter careers in the dairy industry and allied fields. Enhance technology transfer by offering short courses, symposia, and publications to the dairy/foods industry. Ensure that dairy products are safe, wholesome and nutritious.

Brock Center for Agricultural Communication ›

The mission of the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication is to create a bridge of communication between the agricultural industry, the media and the public.

Center for Sustainability ›

The Center for Sustainability's purpose is to advance sustainable food and agriculture systems through education, demonstration of sustainable agricultural practices, investigation, and facilitation of collaborative efforts for sustainability, both on campus and in our community.

Coastal Resources Institute ›

Dedicated to resolving issues involving the management of natural resources such as land, water, timber, flora and fauna. Coastal Resources Institute (CRI) provides a wide range of services, including management plans, habitat audits, environmental/social impact inventories and analyses, and policy planning.

Food Systems Leadership Institute ›

The Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI) offers leadership development to upper-level leaders in higher education, government, and industry. FSLI provides our Fellows with strategies to handle the leadership challenges and opportunities for the future. The FSLI experience develops or reinforces a series of core leadership competencies identified by a team of top-level leaders including university presidents and chancellors and leaders from industry and the non-profit sector who understand the requirements of food systems leadership. FSLI is supported by the Kellogg Foundation and is jointly hosted by the Ohio State, North Carolina State, and Cal Poly.

Irrigation Training and Research Center ›

The Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC) was established in 1989 at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, as a center of excellence, building on a history of contributions to the irrigation industry.

Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute ›

The Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute (UFEI) was developed by the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department faculty to address the increasing need for improved management of the urban forests in California.

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