CORVALLIS, Ore. — After a three-decade career with the Oregon State University Extension Service, Bernadine Strik retired with the highest honor of the International Society of Horticultural Science for her innovative and industry-changing work in berry research.
“Bernadine is a true embodiment of what a land-grant university system delivers. She did research informed by issues affecting stakeholders and produced outcomes that uplift farmers’ bottom line. She’s got big shoes to fill.”
The ISHS fellowship, given to scientists who make significant contributions to horticulture worldwide, recognizes Strik’s groundbreaking research and Extension outreach. Her work influenced Oregon’s $123 million berry industry, advanced production practices across the United States and shaped approaches in berry regions worldwide. She received a similar honor in 2007 when she was named a fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science.
Ten years ago Oregon State established a berry crops endowment. With industry support, it has grown to nearly $1 million, ensuring the continuation of berry research, outreach and teaching programs.
“Bernadine is a true embodiment of what a land-grant university system delivers,” said Sam Angima, associate dean for Extension and engagement in Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. “She did research informed by issues affecting stakeholders and produced outcomes that uplift farmers’ bottom line. She’s got big shoes to fill.”
Strik’s contributions were also recognized by growers in the Oregon Blueberry Commission newsletter.
“They talked about the difference I’ve made,” Strik said. “They trusted my research and I was able to convey complex information in a way they could understand. Their response really touched me.”
Transforming Oregon’s blueberry industry
In Strik’s 34 years at Oregon State, blueberry acreage in Oregon grew from 1,200 to 15,000 acres. Production systems shifted dramatically based on her research. Her landmark 14-year project on organic blueberry production — covering planting methods, fertilization, mulching, cultivar adaptation and weed control — helped drive an increase in organic blueberry acreage from 2% in 2006 to 20% in 2020. Growers adopted her methods to improve profitability.
“The industry came to me to do organic research in 2006,” Strik said. “It was important because there were so few organic blueberry growers then. Despite that, the Oregon Blueberry Commission invested in the research to help the industry.”
Strik also developed programs on planting density, trellising, pruning, fruit set, fruit quality and planting systems for strawberries, red and black raspberries, blackberries and cranberries. Her work supported development of a kiwiberry industry — the smooth-skinned fruit about the size of a grape that can be eaten whole.
Intercontinental upbringing
Born in Holland, Strik came by her love of horticulture honestly. Her paternal grandfather grew vegetables and strawberries in west Holland, and her maternal grandfather sold produce at specialty stores. Her parents followed in those footsteps.
When she was 3, her family moved to Australia for six years and later to Vancouver, British Columbia. There, her father designed a golf course and her mother started a landscape maintenance business. Together they opened a large retail nursery, where Strik worked and developed a love for ornamentals. She earned an honors bachelor’s degree in botany at the University of Victoria, writing her undergraduate thesis on rhododendron propagation. But she soon shifted her focus.
She wanted to study something she could eat.
Encouraged by a mentor, she applied for a competitive Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada scholarship and used it at the University of Guelph in Ontario. She began with strawberry physiology research but her advisor recommended she pursue a doctorate. Strik earned her Ph.D. in horticulture with distinction at age 25.
After completing her doctorate, Strik looked for positions in Canada but found few that combined teaching, research and grower outreach.
“In Canada, Extension is separate from universities,” she said. “I wanted to teach and do research but also work with growers because that was my background. I wanted to help farmers be more profitable so they could pass their legacy on to their kids.”
In September 1987 she joined Oregon State as an assistant professor with OSU Extension. She was promoted to professor in 1997.
OSU horticulture’s ‘Energizer bunny’
Strik’s appointment did not originally include teaching or research, but she considered them essential and incorporated them into her work. Her energy and productivity earned her the nickname “Energizer bunny” from Bill Braunworth, head of the Department of Horticulture.
“Many have appreciated the significant contributions Bernadine has made to berry industries in the Pacific Northwest,” Braunworth said. “Production practices and USDA Agricultural Research Service varieties were evaluated in her program and adopted by the industry. With her contributions, Oregon is a leading producer of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Her graduate students continue her legacy of excellence worldwide. Her impacts have been international in scope.”
Strik met her husband, Neil Bell, in 1990 and they married in 1994. Bell recently retired after 20 years as OSU Extension community horticulturist for Marion and Polk counties.
“Berries brought us together,” Bell said.
The couple considered leaving Oregon State in 2000 when both were offered positions at the University of Massachusetts. They stayed after key industry partners and OSU Master Gardeners organized a dinner to express support for their programs.
“That’s all I ever wanted —t o make the berry industries and growers more successful and profitable,” Strik said. “To know I made a difference is the best way to retire.”
She now has more time for hiking, traveling with Bell and spending time with their two daughters.
Previously titled Strik, decorated industry innovator, retires after 34 years as Extension berry specialist
