Strawberry Researcher Honored for Organic Innovation Work

Dr Muramoto Awarded for Sustainable Farming and Soil Science Efforts

Dr. Joji Muramoto, a leading expert in organic agriculture, has been awarded the 2025 Agricultural Sustainability Leadership Award by UC Davis’ Agricultural Sustainability Institute. The honour celebrates his groundbreaking research in strawberry production and commitment to sustainable farming.

Dr. Muramoto became the first organic-focused Cooperative Extension Specialist in the University of California system in 2019. He has co-developed anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD), a method now widely used as a safer alternative to chemical fumigation in strawberry farming.

His work began in Japan, where he first became interested in soil health. “Organic farmers there told me repeatedly, ‘Soil is the foundation of farming.’ That’s when I got interested in soil science,” he said.

With the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) supporting his early research, Dr. Muramoto later attracted over $5 million in state and federal funding. His studies in fertility and soil disease management have helped both organic and conventional growers adopt eco-friendly and effective practices.

OFRF first supported Dr. Muramoto’s research in 1997 and continued backing him in 2003 and 2010. His long-standing partnership with OFRF is a strong example of how foundational grants can lead to long-term success in agricultural innovation.

Despite organic agriculture’s rapid growth—now making up over 6% of U.S. food sales—organic research receives less than 2% of USDA funding. Advocates are pushing for better support for researchers like Dr. Muramoto to ensure continued progress in sustainable agriculture.

His work not only improves food systems but also supports environmental and economic resilience for farming communities.