Driscoll's has pledged US$5 million to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) to support the construction of a new farm store within the university's upcoming Plant Sciences Complex. The investment aims to strengthen Cal Poly's agriculture and food education programs and expand student opportunities in applied research, production, and retail management.
The farm store will form part of the six-hectare Plant Sciences Complex, currently under development by Cal Poly's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The project is designed to integrate practical learning with commercial activity, enabling students to participate in the full supply chain, from crop cultivation and food safety to product marketing and retail operations.
Driscoll's will hold naming rights for the store, which will feature the company's berry products alongside other campus-grown items. The store is scheduled to begin construction in 2026 at the corner of Highland Avenue and Mt. Bishop Road, with an expected opening in summer 2027.
"The investment will create a learning space where students can gain experience in a working retail environment," said Brie Smith, an executive at Driscoll's and Cal Poly alumna. "Driscoll's gets to be part of creating new learning opportunities that will prepare the next generation of industry leaders."
According to Driscoll's CEO, Soren Bjorn, the collaboration aligns with the company's goal of supporting education and innovation within the agricultural sector. "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," he said.
Cal Poly Dean of Agriculture Brian Horgan said the facility will help bridge classroom learning with industry practice. "Support from industry partners enables us to provide students with real-world learning experiences that prepare them to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving agricultural landscape ahead," he said.
The Plant Sciences Complex broke ground in November 2023 and includes two other major components, the George Wurzel Plant Sciences Building and the Bee Sweet Citrus Agriculture Automation Lab, both expected to open in 2026.
Once completed, the farm store will act as a central hub for Cal Poly's agricultural and food enterprises, offering student-led research opportunities in product development, consumer engagement, and sustainable food systems. Other contributors to the broader complex include the James G. Boswell Foundation, Bee Sweet Citrus, and Taylor Farms.
For more information:
Russ Kabaker
California Polytechnic State University
Tel: +1 805 756 6601
Email: [email protected]
www.cafes.calpoly.edu
