California’s strawberry industry

UC Davis’ strawberry growing and test facility in Watsonville has created many new varieties of berries.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Douglas Shaw, a UC Davis plant science professor, walks through strawberry fields in Watsonville. Watsonville’s fog, sandy soil and cool temperatures, often just in the 60s during summer days, make it ideal for growing the berries.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Jesus Hernandez, left, hands a basket of strawberries to a worker at the Watsonville fields. The California Strawberry Commission is suing the University of California, alleging the university was endorsing the privatization of an important part of the state’s agricultural heritage.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Olivia Alanis, 48, carries a scale to weigh strawberries in a UC Davis strawberry field in Watsonville,  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The University of California maintains a living museum of 1,600 strawberry types sustained over decades of careful reproduction, plantings and refrigeration at UC’s farm properties in Davis, Watsonville and Irvine.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

WATSONVILLE, CA - APRIL 7, 2014: Olivia Alanis, 48, weighs strawberries in a UC Davis strawberry field in Watsonville, CA April 7, 2014. (Francine Orr/ Los Angeles Times)  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Margarita Corona, 51, weighs strawberries and inputs data in a UC Davis strawberry field in Watsonville.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)