Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) will be receiving a $500,000 gift from Chipotle to build a new greenhouse complex on campus behind Building 50. The new facility will feature four separate greenhouses and a headhouse in support of the Agricultural Plants and Soil Sciences, Mechatronics Engineering and a program launching in Fall 2025 for Agribusiness Supply Chain Management.
“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Chipotle to advance sustainable agriculture education,” said Thomas Horvath, dean of the College of Science. “Chipotle’s support is a testament to the important work our faculty is doing to cultivate the next generation of agricultural workers. Its support for our planned greenhouse complex will be a game-changer.”
These donations are part of a commitment by Chipotle to give away $5 million by the end of 2025. Chipotle funds this commitment by contributing 5% of profits from its sales of Tractor Beverages. Other benefactors include Ohio State University, Colorado State University and the University of Florida.
“For students, if we hear we have a new research facility, more equipment, better equipment, it’s definitely good for research and for students,” said Li Zhang, fourth-year Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences major.
“The new facilities are not intended to shift curriculum but will provide for more experiential learning opportunities for students, and will provide lab space for faculty and students to engage in research on campus to complement our current practice of sharing facilities off-site with local ag[riculture] companies,” said university spokesman Walter Ryce.