About Us

Our Mission

To reduce postharvest losses and improve the quality, safety and marketability of fresh horticultural products. Our Goals are:

Be a leading source of research-based information on the postharvest quality, safety and marketability of fresh horticultural products for the produce value chain.
Effectively communicate information and knowledge on postharvest technology that enhances the quality, safety and marketability of fresh horticultural products.
Catalyze innovative and enhanced collaboration among center members, industry, government, and other academic institutions, nationally and internationally.
Be financially self-sustaining.

Through the postharvest research and extension programs of 11 Extension Specialists, we strive to provide relevant information to California growers, shippers, marketers, carriers, distributors, retailers, processors, and consumers of fresh horticultural crops.

Beth Mitcham, UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, serves as the Center's Faculty Director and Carlos Crisosto, UC Department of Plant Sciences, serves as Associate Director. Administrative responsibilities are shared among Center staff.

The Center is housed in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis, and receives support from contributions to our Endowment Fund. The Postharvest Technology Center is a self-supporting UC Davis center and depends on income from workshops, publication sales, as well as the endowment to maintain center activities. For additional information, please see the Postharvest Technology Center's informational brochure (PDF).

Visiting us on Campus?
Our offices are located in Wickson Hall (Main office is in 3047 Wickson), the attached map provides helpful information regarding directions to campus, parking lots and payment kiosks, and the location of Wickson Hall.