Good policymaking begins with access to good information.

That's where CISSC comes in.

The California Institute for the Study of Specialty Crops was formed to respond to the informational needs of individuals and groups that shape the policies and laws that affect the core of California's agricultural sector.

Research
CISSC provides timely, objective research and analysis of the policy, economic and regulatory issues that affect specialty crops. CISSC recruits experts from across disciplines to help examine some of the toughest policy problems facing agriculture today.

Education
CISSC offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in hands-on educational activities that prepare them for today's demanding workplace. Through senior projects, theses, and collaboration with professors, students learn practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of real-life policy challenges.

Outreach
Even the best research has little impact unless it reaches the appropriate audience. As a broker of information, CISSC helps present relevant issues to the larger policymaking community. The institute puts the findings into the hands of people who shape agricultural policy by forging strong partnerships with individuals and organizations.

Organization
The institute is operated by the College of Agriculture at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. The board of directors provides guidance on the direction of research, ensuring that studies are rooted in addressing real-life problems.

Cal Poly is widely recognized as a center of academic excellence and a leader in agricultural education. The university's talented and dedicated faculty employs a "learn by doing" ethic to prepare students for challenging and rewarding careers.

To learn more about CISSC, visit the website at: http://cissc.calpoly.edu

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