Driscoll’s $5 Million Pledge to Fund New Farm Store Uniting Food and Agriculture Enterprises at Cal Poly

 

 

Driscoll’s, the global leader in fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, has pledged $5 million to Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. This transformative investment will launch a state-of-the-art farm store, anchoring Cal Poly’s new Plant Sciences Complex and advancing the university’s commitment to developing future leaders in food and agriculture.

The farm store, located within the six-acre Plant Sciences Complex, is part of the college’s vision to create a vibrant campus hub for innovation. Students will gain practical experience in growing, producing, marketing and selling campus-made products, while engaging in applied research and retail innovation.

Driscoll’s will have the opportunity to name the farm store, leaving a lasting legacy and celebrating its commitment to community partnership and student development. The store will proudly feature Driscoll’s berries, providing students, faculty and the community with access to fresh, premium fruit directly from the brand.

“We look forward to seeing our investment transform into a unique learning space where students can gain vital experience in an actual retail environment,” said Driscoll’s executive Brie Smith, a proud Cal Poly alumna. “As someone who personally benefited from Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach, I’m thrilled Driscoll’s gets to be part of creating new learning opportunities that will prepare the next generation of industry leaders to bring innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to the food system.”

“Driscoll’s is committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of agriculture and food,” said Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s. “Our partnership with Cal Poly reflects our belief in the power of education, innovation and hands-on experience to drive meaningful change for our industry and communities.”

The Plant Sciences Complex, which broke ground in November 2023, will feature the George Wurzel Plant Sciences Building and the Bee Sweet Citrus Agriculture Automation Lab, both set to open in 2026. The farm store, located at the corner of Highland Avenue and Mt. Bishop Road, is scheduled to begin construction in 2026, with an anticipated opening in summer 2027.

The store will unite Cal Poly’s food and agriculture enterprises, providing a central location for collaboration and community engagement. Students will gain insight into every step of the food supply chain — from farm operations and food safety to product development and marketing, preparing them for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

“Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of growers and food innovators who will shape the future of our food systems,” said Brian Horgan, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “Support from industry partners like Driscoll’s enables us to provide students with real-world learning experiences that prepare them to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving agricultural landscape ahead.”

The farm store will serve as a retail and research hub offering student learning opportunities in product testing, consumer engagement and innovation that reinforce California’s leadership in sustainable agriculture.

Other industry contributors to the Plant Sciences Complex include the James G. Boswell Foundation, Bee Sweet Citrus and Taylor Farms. To join the effort, contact Russ Kabaker, assistant dean of advancement and external relations, at 805-756-6601 or rkabaker@calpoly.edu.