Stepping Into a Legacy of Innovation
Following in the footsteps of a leader is never easy — especially when that leader helped shape an entire industry.
That’s the position Scott Lukas found himself in as he stepped into his role as Endowed Professor for Northwest Berry Production and Management at Oregon State University, succeeding longtime researcher Bernadine Strik.
Rather than viewing the transition as a challenge, Lukas sees it as an opportunity.
“I look at it from the perspective of the outputs that the program has provided in the past and how I need to keep on providing that level of engagement moving forward.”
Scott Lukas, Endowed Professor for Northwest Berry Production and Management, Oregon State University
A Research Program That Shaped an Industry
Bernadine Strik’s influence on blueberry production extended far beyond Oregon. Over her 34-year career at Oregon State University, her research helped transform how blueberries are grown — not only in the Pacific Northwest, but globally.
Her impact was so significant that, following her passing, tributes came from across the world, highlighting the lasting importance of her work.
For Lukas, stepping into this role means continuing a program with a strong foundation already in place.
“There is a very solid foundation that provides initial traction in the direction we’re supposed to go.”
Scott Lukas
Listening First: Understanding Grower Needs
Rather than making immediate changes, Lukas has taken a deliberate approach — starting with listening. In his first year, his focus has been on:
- Understanding regional cropping systems
- Learning directly from growers
- Identifying current challenges and opportunities
This approach reflects a broader shift in agricultural research: moving from purely academic study to grower-informed, applied research. His goal is to develop research programs that align directly with industry needs while delivering practical, science-based tools to improve productivity, quality, and resilience.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Modern Agriculture
Today’s agricultural challenges are more complex than ever. Lukas brings a diverse background that spans:
- Plant physiology
- Weed science
- Water and fertilizer efficiency
- Soil and plant interactions
- Automated systems in agriculture
But technical expertise alone isn’t enough. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration across disciplines — including marketing, economics, and social sciences — to ensure research remains relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
Collaboration Across the Pacific Northwest
This work does not happen in isolation. The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research partners with industry stakeholders, researchers, and universities across the Pacific Northwest to coordinate research efforts and maximize impact.
By bringing together expertise from multiple institutions, this collaborative model:
- Improves efficiency in research funding
- Strengthens knowledge sharing
- Expands the impact of findings across regions and crops
This research is part of a broader collaborative effort across the Pacific Northwest — ensuring that innovation is shared, scalable, and regionally relevant.
Supporting the Next Phase of Blueberry Research
As Lukas settles into his role, he is focused on maintaining momentum while evolving the program to meet future challenges. This includes:
- Supporting research teams and program infrastructure
- Identifying bottlenecks and improving operational efficiency
- Expanding research to incorporate new technologies and approaches
He is also actively engaging with growers — encouraging them to share their experiences and invite collaboration. This direct connection between researchers and growers is essential to ensuring that research remains grounded in real-world application.
Industry Alignment in a Competitive Global Market
The blueberry industry is no longer regional — it’s global. As production expands worldwide, maintaining competitiveness requires continuous improvement. Industry leaders recognize this need.
“Blueberries are on the march. We need to continue to improve what we do to stay competitive.”
Bryan Ostlund, Oregon Blueberry Commission Administrator
This reinforces the importance of ongoing research, innovation, and collaboration.
Why This Work Matters
At its core, this story is about continuity — building on decades of research, supporting the next generation of leadership, and aligning science with industry needs.
Through collaboration between organizations like the Oregon Blueberry Commission, Oregon State University, and NCSFR, research becomes more than knowledge — it becomes a tool for long-term sustainability and growth.
Learn More About the Oregon Blueberry Commission
To learn more about how the Oregon Blueberry Commission supports growers and advances the blueberry industry, visit their official website.
