Jessica Goldberger

Jessica Goldberger is a Professor in the Department of Human Development at Washington State University (WSU), part of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Her research focuses on agricultural knowledge systems, innovation adoption, and sustainability within food systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2005), an M.S. in Rural Sociology (1998), and a B.A. in Anthropology from McGill University (1992).

Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing topics such as plastic mulch management in specialty crops, organic farming practices, and pest management strategies. Notable projects include studies on strawberry and raspberry growers’ decisions regarding plastic mulch end-of-life strategies, barriers to transitioning from neonicotinoids to integrated pest management in potato farming, and the socioeconomic dimensions of organic agriculture.

Goldberger’s research employs mixed methods, including surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis. Her recent publications highlight concerns about agricultural plastics’ environmental impacts, organic farming’s sustainability, and gender dynamics in farmers’ markets. She collaborates with institutions across the U.S. and internationally, such as in Malawi, to advance sustainable agricultural practices.

Her academic contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed articles and WSU Extension bulletins. She teaches courses on agriculture-environment-community linkages and the sociology of food systems. Goldberger’s work bridges sociological theory with applied agricultural challenges, advocating for evidence-based policies that balance ecological, economic, and social goals.