About Us

The Postharvest Technology Center was founded in 1978 by Adel Kader with the goal of organizing and coordinating knowledge transfer regarding reduction of postharvest losses and improving the quality and marketability of fresh horticultural products.

The research findings disseminated during this era by Kader and a cadre of colleagues is the cornerstone and foundation for our current year-round supply and global sourcing of quality fresh and minimally-processed produce and cut flowers.

Our mission today is to remain a leading source of information on quality, safety and marketability of fresh produce and to sustain the viability of the Center for the next generation of scientists and practitioners.

Our immediate goal is to broaden the level of involvement among our basic, applied and extension faculty and use the Center's platform to distill, translate, and disseminate emerging technology advancements to a broader industry and affiliated stakeholder audience.

The Center is housed in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis. It is self-supporting and depends on income from workshops, publication sales and our Endowment Fund to maintain center activities.