Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers

Omar was born and raised in Watsonville, CA and attended both Cabrillo College and Hartnell College before transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He completed his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences and a Master’s of Science in Agriculture with a thesis focus on strawberry plant diseases.

He was introduced to the strawberry industry by being told it was “a strawberry storm
and be careful because you will get caught in the storm.” He works as a Varietal Development Supervisor at Planasa where every day he gets to help growers by advancing improved strawberry cultivars. As Co-Vice Chair of Activities at the Central Coast YFR, Omar looks forward to working with such a great team and learning more to continue helping growers throughout the state.

Omar is currently participating in Class 55 of California Agricultural Leadership.

Thank you, Reservoir, for having us tonight!

Excited to see the future of ag tech and all the ways innovation continues to support the agriculture industry 🌱✨ .co 🍓🥬🥦🧅