An expert in postharvest technology for Florida’s fresh produce industry recently received two honors in one week. Mark Ritenour’s professional colleagues with the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) named him a fellow at the society’s annual conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. He also began his role as associate director for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC).
“Dr. Mark Ritenour reached the highest point of achievement with his professional association, and I selected him to join me as a co-leader for IRREC,” said IRREC Director Mark Kistler.
Kistler cited Ritenour’s well-run postharvest program as evidence of his ability to lead agricultural production, research, Extension and higher education. Packinghouse owners statewide value the program.
Ritenour’s colleagues cited his leadership for ASHS as the reason for his selection as a fellow.
“Mark is known far and wide for his expertise and productivity in several areas of or related to horticulture,” wrote an ASHS committee member. “I strongly believe that Mark represents ASHS in the best possible light and exemplifies what an ASHS fellow should be.”
He has honed his skills since 1998 as the postharvest technology expert at the UF/IFAS IRREC, where he runs the postharvest facility and the fruit quality laboratory. The professor’s team members include two biological scientists and visiting scientists and scholars, many of whom arrive from international schools and businesses.
Ritenour gained national acclaim for his leadership, along with UF Professor Steven Sargent, of the annual postharvest tour. The weeklong tour attracted attendees from the Midwest United States and Puerto Rico in 2024. It included stops at a large port, packinghouses, Florida’s oldest farmer’s market and local businesses that produce and support the state’s fresh fruit industry. Sargent is also an ASHS fellow.
In his new role as an ASHS fellow, Ritenour will be active on the National Issues Committee, represent the organization to legislative representatives and recruit and mentor future fellows.
Source: UF/IFAS
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