The Citrus Research Board (CRB) in conjunction with University of California Cooperative Extension is conducting a 2009 Postharvest Research Seminar for California citrus packers on March 18.

The meeting is designed for packinghouse general managers, plant managers, and superintendents and will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, Calif.

The program includes:

• “Current research on pre- and postharvest measures to minimize postharvest decay” – Joseph Smilanick, research plant pathologist, Commodity Protection and Quality, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Parlier, Calif.;

• “A look inside the Florida industry today – Status of the fresh citrus industry including packinghouse practices – a review of Florida postharvest/food science research including analysis of the effects of HLB disease on flavor of fruit and processed juice” – Elizabeth Baldwin, research leader, with Anne Plotto, research plant physiologist, USDA-ARS Citrus & Subtropical Products Laboratory, Winter Haven, Fla.;

• “Food safety issues update – Anticipating government action” – Jim Cranney, president, California Citrus Quality Council;

• “CCQC Report – Safeguarding California citrus production and facilitating trade” – Jim Cranney

This program has been approved for 2.5 hours of continuing education credit.

To register, contact the CRB at (559) 738-0246 or by e-mail, Anne@citrusresearch.org.