March 2015 – The economic success of fruit and vegetable production is highly dependent on postharvest quality preservation. When marketing fresh fruits and vegetables, understanding the processes affecting product quality during storage and transportation is essential in obtaining a premium price for the product.

To assist growers in developing skills that will provide a competitive advantage within the fresh produce market, NCGT will offer a series of Postharvest Handling Workshops in collaboration with NC State University Cooperative Extension. Participants will learn approaches and technologies to maintain product quality and extend shelf-life, limiting post-harvest disorders and loss of sales.

Workshops will be led by Trish Tripp, NCGT Produce Supply Chain Development Liaison and Dr. George Wilson, NC State Department of Horticulture Science, with assistance from Cooperative Extension staff.

April 14, Duplin County — Introduction to Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf Life (1/2 day)  REGISTER HERE

May 21, Catawba County Introduction to Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf Life (1/2 day) REGISTER HERE

June 2, Forsyth County — Advanced Postharvest Handling for Enhanced Shelf Life (full day) REGISTER HERE

For more information, please visit the Events page.

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2015 NC Growing Together Newsletter.