Center Activities

Short Courses and Workshops
A two-week short course on postharvest technology of horticultural commodities is presented each year during late June. It includes five days of lectures, discussions and demonstrations, and a five-day field trip to major production areas of California.

Other annual educational programs are offered on management of fruit ripening, and maintaining quality and safety of fresh-cut products. In addition, workshops of one to three days are held in various locations throughout the state on postharvest handling of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and ornamentals.

Our Web Site
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu is visited over 1 million times per year, and is comprised of more than 500 web pages and 2,000 documents containing useful postharvest information.

Industry Meetings
Our members present research results and postharvest information at meetings of various industry organizations. In addition, local meetings are held in cooperation with farm and family, nutrition and consumer science Advisors to disseminate information about proper postharvest handling procedures.

Consultations
Individual consultations in person and by telephone constitute an important route for evaluating industry problems and extending information to California's shippers, handlers, and the general public.

Our Bookstore
Available through our on-line bookstore are 45 titles providing the latest information about a wide range of postharvest technology topics.

Newsletters
We now distribute a free monthly newsletter via e-mail, featuring information about new content on our Web site, upcoming courses, new publications written by UC postharvest specialists, and current events. The Central Valley Postharvest Newsletter, edited by Carlos Crisosto and published on-line, focuses on harvesting and handling of fresh fruit produced in California's Central Valley.

Industry Liaison
Close cooperation, in relation to their educational programs, is maintained with various trade organizations such as the California League of Food Processors, International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses, Produce Marketing Association, National Perishable Logistics Association, Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association, and United Fresh Produce Association. In addition, close liaison is maintained with the California Advisory Boards and Commissions for various horticultural crops.