Fresh citrus growers, packers and shippers will meet for Citrus Packinghouse Day on Aug. 25 at the Citrus Research and Education Center’s (CREC) Ben Hill Griffin Hall in Lake Alfred, Florida.
They will hear the most current information about food safety, worker visa options and other topics related to fresh fruit handling and transport. The free event will include exhibitors and networking opportunities. On-site registration opens at 8:30 a.m. The program runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
JBT FoodTech is sponsoring coffee and donuts. Lunch will be provided by DECCO Inc. for the first 75 participants to register. JBT FoodTech is a global machinery corporation. DECCO, Inc. supplies postharvest products to international food producers.
A highlight of Packinghouse Day 2022 will be the John T. Leslie Award of Excellence presentation. The award was first presented in 1981 to John T. Leslie for “recognition of an individual for outstanding leadership and service on behalf of the Florida fresh citrus industry.”
Coordinating the event is Mark Ritenour, a professor and postharvest expert. Ritenour leads postharvest technology research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce. Ritenour’s research and Extension program includes a model packinghouse postharvest facility operation.
“Packinghouse Day 2022 will feature presentations on phytosanitary regulations, ways to control fruit decay, worker visa options and an update on food safety,” said Ritenour.
Ritenour will open the event, and Michael Rogers, professor and director of the UF/IFAS CREC, will follow. Other keynote speakers will be Christopher Gunter, professor and UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department chair, and Peter Chaires, executive vice president of Florida Citrus Packers.
Those planning to attend can preregister here or register on site at the event.
More information is available from Ritenour at ritenour@ufl.edu or 772-577-7359.
Source: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences