Fresh cut workshop offered

Jim Gorny of UC Davis passes news of this September fresh cut workshop along. Sounds like a valuable session, with consumer trends addressed in addition to safety and technical issues. The news release:

UC Davis Fresh-cut Workshop Offers Solutions to Maintain Produce Quality, Safety & Marketability

DAVIS, CA (August 13, 2007) -- The Postharvest Technology Research & Information Center will host the 12th Annual Fresh-cut Produce Workshop, providing participants with cutting edge technical information about the fast growing fresh-cut, ready-to-eat produce industry. The workshop will be held September 25-27, 2007 on the University of California, Davis campus at the Buehler Alumni and Visitor’s Center. A limited number of registrations are still available to produce industry professionals who can now register online for this popular workshop at: http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu. The workshop provides fresh-cut processors, receivers, handlers, buyers, shippers and sellers with an in-depth understanding of fresh-cut produce fundamentals and cutting edge technologies used in the production and handling of fresh-cut produce.

"We believe this is a unique opportunity for producers, buyers, and those providing good and services to the fresh-cut industry to drill down into the technical details of the fresh-cut industry and learn how to improve overall quality, safety and marketing capabilities to meet consumer needs" said Dr. Marita Cantwell workshop technical coordinator.

The workshop is taught by university researchers and industry professionals, providing a balance of the latest research and practical experience. Attendance would be beneficial to anyone interested in learning more about the fast growing, multi-billion dollar, value-added, prepared, fresh-cut fruit and vegetable category and features technical sessions covering a wide range of issues focused on fresh-cut produce challenges and opportunities including:
Assuring the Microbial Safety of Fresh-cut Produce
Modified Atmosphere Packaging Design
Marketing and Consumer Trends
Fundamentals of Product Biology
Maintaining Product Quality Throughout the Chill Chain
Sanitation
Specific Fresh-cut Product Information

The 2007 Fresh-cut Produce Workshop is organized by Postharvest Technology Research & Information Center at U.C. Davis and is co-sponsored by the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association two of the nation’s most respected national produce trade organizations.

Attendees may register for this and other upcoming educational outreach activities sponsored by the Postharvest Technology Research & Information Center via their website at http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu or by contacting Ms. Penny Stockdale, registration coordinator, at (530) 754-4326 or pastockdale@ucdavis.edu.