strawberries
New researcher, funds for organic research in California
Much of the research produced by U.S. land-grant universities is directed at traditional agriculture, but in the last 12 months, several organics-focused initiatives have been announced in California. California has the most organic farms in... more »
California growers to ‘harvest every box’ despite COVID-19
The California Strawberry Commission plans to "harvest every box" during the April-May harvests, despite disruption in the marketplace caused by COVID-19. California blueberry harvests during the same time will also be affected, according to an... more »
Looking for a seasonal CEA crop? Consider strawberries
The interest in greenhouse strawberries has been increasing over the last few years. Part of this has to do with the demand for year-round production of the crop. The variability in quality and availability of... more »
Investment, need drive in-soil strawberry harvester
Investment, a groundbreaking “commercialized” strawberry harvest and swelling grower interest add up to a good year for Advanced Farm Technologies (AFT). The Davis, California-based company’s T-6 robotic strawberry harvester is one of just a handful... more »
Driscoll’s organic program takes off
Driscoll’s has about 65%-70% of the U.S. market share in organic berries. And according to Emily Musgrave, organic program manager, that presence is growing rapidly. “We have 150 organic growers, including those in the U.S.,... more »
Driscoll’s growth starts with plant
Augustine Renteria has been with Driscoll’s for 31 years. Please excuse him if he treats the strawberry plants he is nurturing at the mega berry company’s California breeding grounds as children. To him, that’s exactly... more »
Lights, steam tackle strawberry disease
A machine that can be programmed to traverse through fields shines a light to help prevent powdery mildew from causing damage to strawberries. Natalia Peres, a professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida... more »
Fancy Farms adapts to challenges in turbulent strawberry industry
Carl Grooms has seen a lot since he entered the strawberry growing business in 1974. He’s leaving the Plant City, Florida, growing operation in the hands of his son, Dustin, but has plenty of concerns... more »
California grower taps talents, resources to find success
Javier Zamora came to the United States from Mexico when he was 20 years old. He lived in the Redondo Beach area near Los Angeles. Most people around him at the time came from different... more »
High tunnels bring berries’ success under cover
In many areas of the country, cold winters and humid, variable growing seasons can limit the profitability of raspberries and strawberries, as well as the survival of blackberries. High tunnels alter the crop environment in... more »
