From Washington to China: Lessons in Strawberry Production and Sustainable Ag with Dr. Carol Miles

In this episode of Mulch Matters, we are joined by Dr. Carol Miles from Washington State University, for a compelling conversation about her recent trip to China to attend the International Strawberry Symposium. Our discussion offers a fascinating window into the contrasts and connections between Chinese and U.S. agricultural practices, particularly around strawberry production and plastic mulch use. Carol reflects on the incredible technological leap she observed in Chinese greenhouses, where high-tech, hydroponic tabletop systems are now used in showcase facilities. But she also shares her experience visiting local farms after the symposium, where strawberry production looked much more traditional—though still impressive. One of the most striking takeaways was how small-scale farms in China can remain highly profitable and deeply integrated into the community, offering lessons in sustainability and land stewardship that may be overlooked in the U.S. This conversation is not only an agricultural deep-dive—it's a thoughtful reflection on culture, economy, and the future of food systems. Whether you're a grower, researcher, or simply curious about how other countries are innovating in agriculture, this episode will leave you with fresh perspectives and new questions to consider. This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/