Cal Poly is known for being one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate agriculture programs, so it makes sense that Cal Poly is home to the fourth largest avocado orchard in the nation. On June 12, 2003 the school announced they would be planting a 50 acre avocado field for students to manage and learn the commercial side of selling produce. Cal Poly’s motto is learn by doing and this opportunity gives students a chance to experience first hand the commercial avocado operation.

6,400 avocado trees are currently planted on the property and the number continues to increase as the program expands. The orchard is a student ran, profitable business. Students are expected to also take part in selling the produce at the downtown Farmer’s Market that occurs every Thursday evening. Both students and locals of San Luis Obispo are benefiting from having the fourth largest avocado orchard in their backyard. This is all thanks to alumni, Stu and Jan Bartleson, for donating $11.3 million to purchase land surrounding the campus for this very reason. The Bartlesons were quoted in an interview stating, “It’s exciting to think about this being kept as ag land and carrying our name in perpetuity, I’m also excited to think that the ranch will help prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s ag industry leaders.” Cal Poly has done just that, they have extended their land by 10,000 acres all used for agricultural programs for the students.

This venture of making the fourth largest avocado orchard was also funded by an actual avocado company called Mission Produce. The avocados harvested also go to Mission Produce to be sold. They have so generously agreed to donate money to Cal Poly’s Agriculture program after each harvest dependent on how much they profit from the sale of the avocados. Many people have invested their time, money and property to make this project a success. The orchard will continue to teach students for many years to come the ropes of managing a functioning commercial orchard.