San Luis Obispo|Featured Event
2026 Strawberry Center Field Day
Millions Invested. Hundreds Gather. The Future of Farming on Display at Cal Poly.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — July 22, 2026 — On Thursday, July 23, 2026, more than 600 farmers, researchers, engineers, students, and agricultural leaders will gather at Cal Poly for the 2026 Strawberry Center Field Day, one of California agriculture's premier research and innovation events.
At a time when agriculture faces increasing pressure from labor shortages, climate challenges, water limitations, and rising production costs, Field Day offers a rare opportunity to see firsthand how science, technology, and research are being applied to solve real-world farming challenges.
Participants will rotate through five interactive research stations featuring more than 20 demonstrations showcasing the latest advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, soil health, plant disease management, pest control, sustainability, and workforce efficiency.
Why This Matters
California grows nearly 90 percent of the nation's strawberries on less than one percent of the state's farmland. To remain productive and sustainable, growers have invested more than $17 million in research focused on soilborne diseases, plant health, automation, and sustainable farming practices—more than any other strawberry-producing region in the world.
Many of the technologies and research projects being demonstrated today are helping farmers:
- Improve worker safety and labor efficiency
- Reduce resource use through precision agriculture
- Better manage pests and diseases
- Improve soil health and crop resilience
- Advance sustainable farming practices
- Train the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators
Visual Opportunities
Reporters and photographers will have access to:
- Agricultural robotics and automation demonstrations
- Student-led research presentations
- Emerging technologies designed to improve farm sustainability
- Researchers discussing disease prevention and plant health
- Farmers interacting directly with scientists and engineers
- Hundreds of agricultural leaders touring active field demonstrations
Available for Interviews
- California Strawberry Commission leadership
- Cal Poly Strawberry Center researchers
- Strawberry growers and farming families
- Agricultural engineering, plant pathology and entomology students
- Plant pathologists and sustainability experts
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT
2026 Strawberry Center Field Day
WHERE
Cal Poly Strawberry Center, San Luis Obispo, California
WHEN
Thursday, July 23, 2026
7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
WHO
More than 600 farmers, researchers, engineers, students, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders