Who
Produce industry, government or academic professionals interested in Postharvest Biology & Technology, and especially attendees from the past 30 years of the Postharvest Technology Short Course.
When
Saturday, June 21, 2008
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where
UC Davis campus, Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) Ballroom
Cost
$150 per person, which includes lunch, and morning and afternoon coffee breaks. All proceeds will benefit the Postharvest Endowment Fund.
Attend!
Enroll on-line via the On-Line Registration Page -OR-
Complete the Registration Form using our brochure and fax or mail it along with your payment information to the contact information found on the form.
You may also call us at (530) 752-6941 and we will be happy to take your registration information over the phone. Please have your credit card information handy.
Objectives:
- Foster Produce Industry and University Working Relations. To provide an opportunity for university and industry participants to engage in in-depth dialog regarding future high priority research, teaching and extension activities at UC Davis.
- Networking. To provide an opportunity for all participants, including Short Course alumni and industry supporters, to network and discuss current and potential future industry / university postharvest research and educational outreach collaborations.
- Encourage Extramural Support. To raise awareness of and financial support for the Postharvest Endowment Fund, which provides essential support for the worldwide educational outreach provided by the Postharvest Technology Research & Information Center Web site (http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu).
Schedule of Events:
Three Pivotal Sessions;
Charting New Directions
In Postharvest Biology & Technology
Session 1 - The Consumer Produce Experience
While the variety and abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers available year-round continues to increase, consumers still lag in meeting the public health recommendation to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. What are the hurdles to increasing consumer satisfaction and consumption of these healthful, nutritious and wholesome foods? To date, postharvest research has focused on extending produce shelf-life, but what other intrinsic and extrinsic factors need further exploration and what is the total value proposition that proper postharvest handling brings to an enterprise. In this session you will hear from progressive buyers and suppliers as they explore the challenges and opportunities encountered when trying to provide a positive consumer experience. Issues to be discussed include managing product eating satisfaction, flavor, convenience, product value and branding.
Session 2 - Assuring Produce Buyer Confidence
Buyers plan an important role in communicating consumer needs and expectations to produce suppliers. This session will explore the innovative means by which buyers can work in partnership with suppliers, to meet ever evolving and increasing consumer demands of such things as proof of sustainability, product safety, environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility. Reducing postharvest losses in the distribution chain is a huge first step in demonstrating commitment to sustainability, as reducing postharvest losses is a powerful means of reducing ever-increasing production agriculture demands on natural resources to feed a hungry world. How will industry leaders be addressing these pressing postharvest handling issues and what information do they need to make informed decisions to ensure produce safety, sustainability and their business competitiveness into the future. A roundtable retail, food service, importer/exporter and service provider perspective will be provided on these issues.
Session 3 - Charting New Directions to Meet Postharvest Challenges and Opportunities
This session will provide an opportunity for produce industry participants, UC Davis faculty and cooperative extension specialists to engage in meaningful in-depth dialogue regarding future high priority postharvest research, teaching and extension activities at UC Davis. This will also be an important opportunity for produce industry leaders to initiate dialogue regarding future collaborative, extramurally funded research, educational outreach and teaching at UC Davis to meet stakeholder needs. Topics of interest will include:
- Research - Partnering for Progress on Research & Beyond
- Education - Meeting Postharvest Talent Needs
- Educational Outreach - Transforming Information into Action
[Link to the brochure (PDF) for this historic one day event.]
Click here to register using our convenient on-line form. |
