New Strawberry Researcher On Board

By Growing Produce Staff|August 20, 2009

The California Strawberry Commission announced this week that Ian Greene has been hired as the new research program manager. Greene, who will be reporting to Research Director Dan Legard, will be based out of the Watsonville office. Green will work closely with the state’s growers and researchers, managing research field trials focused on production systems that don’t require fumigant use.

An industry veteran, Greene was most recently employed for ten years with Golden State Bulb Growers, the world’s largest grower of field-grown, colored mini callas lilies, as Director of R&D, Quality Control, and Pesticides and Fumigants. While in that position, he chaired the California Cut Flower Commission’s Research & Education Committee.

“We are extremely pleased to have Ian on board,” said Legard. “As industry leaders, it’s imperative to build teams of professionals to drive innovation in the fields. Ian has the expertise and the relevant experience necessary to contribute significantly to our strategic research goals.”

Greene has published numerous trade articles on various topics, contributed to and co-authored key industry documents and applications, and participated in many local, state and federal regulatory committees.

He holds an AS in Vegetable Farming Management from Maui Community College, as well as a BS in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of California, where he spent five years in post graduate research in entomology working on western flower thrips biology and management in floriculture crops.