Future of agriculture: Driscoll's pledges $5 million for Cal Poly's Innovative Plant Sciences complex and farm store
October 24 , 2025
Global berry giant Driscoll's has pledged $5 million to Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences.
This investment aims to 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.
“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.
The farm store, located within the six-acre Plant Sciences Complex, where students will gain practical experience in growing, producing, marketing, and selling campus-made products, while engaging in applied research and retail innovation.
The company will 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 and faculty 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 Brie Smith, Driscoll’s executive and proud Cal Poly alumna.
Driscoll's leaves a mark on Cal Poly's next generations
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.
“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,” said Brian Horgan, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
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.
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