Growing the Next Generation
Driscoll’s Pledges $5 Million to Cal Poly’s New Farm Store to Expand Hands-On Learning
Driscoll’s, the global market leader of fresh strawberries, blue¬berries, raspberries and blackberries, has pledged $5 million to Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences in support of its new 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 new farm store is part of the college’s vision to create a vibrant campus hub for food and agriculture innovation, where students learn by growing, producing, marketing and selling Cal Poly-made products while engaging in applied research that addresses real-world agricultural and food challenges.
“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 hands-on, real-world learning experiences that prepare them to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.”
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 Polyʼs many food and agriculture enterprises, providing a single, central campus location where students and faculty can collaborate to bring fresh, locally grown and produced products to the campus and community, all while learning to prepare them for future careers.
“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 Brie Smith (Agricultural Business, '09), Driscoll’s executive and 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.”
The Plant Sciences Complex and adjacent farm store will bring together multiple complementary disciplines in a single hub to address California’s most urgent food and agricultural challenges, while preparing the next generation of industry leaders. From farm operations, food safety and post-harvest practices to sensory analysis, product development, marketing and more, students will gain invaluable insight into every step of the food supply chain.
“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.”
Students already grow, produce and sell a variety of products, from plants, wine and flowers to meat, dairy and produce, through a combination of class-based projects and paid enterprise work experiences. They are involved in every step, getting exposure to research and development standards and learning essential manufacturing practices, total quality assurance, food safety and sanitation principles, and leadership, sales and marketing skills — helping prepare them for the work they will do once they graduate.
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 leader¬ship in sustainable agriculture.
Industry leaders who have already contributed to the project include the James G. Boswell Foundation, Bee Sweet Citrus, Taylor Farms and others.
To join the effort in taking the next big step for Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, contact Russ Kabaker, assistant dean of advancement and external relations, at 805-756-6601 or rkabaker@calpoly.edu.
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