The New Challenges in Pre- and Postharvest Companies

Spain hosts the next International Postharvest Symposium, and GPR - UPCT, the organizing Group is characterized by its high interaction with the users of the postharvest technology, ie growers, packers & processors of fruits and vegetables, and companies supplying postharvest technology. The Program of the Symposium reflects all this, and it also includes the Workshop ?The New Challenges in Pre- and Postharvest Companies?. Numerous sessions are focused on practical issues, in parallel to sessions for basic research. Considered practical matters include postharvest pathology, MAP and innovative techniques in MAP, Controlled Atmospheres and Non-Destructive Tools, Non-Destructive Quality Evaluation, Equipment and Safety for Minimal Processing of Fruits & Vegetables, education in postharvest, ? Cartagena is located in one of the main vegetable and fruit growing areas from Spain and the Mediterranean basin.Companies actually sponsoring the Symposium are Citrosol, Janssen PMP, and Isolcell. Prof. Dr. Francisco Art?s Calero, Convener of the IPS 2016, on behalf of the Organizing Committee, invites to attend the Symposium with the following welcome words: ?As Convener of the VIII International Postharvest Symposium it is both a pleasure and an honor to invite you to attend this worldwide meeting, which will be held in Cartagena, Region of Murcia, Spain, on June 21-24, 2016. Its subject 'Enhancing supply chain and consumer benefits: ethical and technological issues' reflects quite well the priorities that we have already considered as the most important. Today a sustainable technology based on just and liable principles is the greatest challenging issue in all regions of the world. The previous Postharvest Symposiums attracted many attendees that we hope to have again this time in Cartagena, within a pleasant Mediterranean frame. For achieving that, it will have as hallmark highly renowned speakers who will analyze, share and discuss about new developments and scientific advances that will affect the future of our field of interest. Murcia is one of the leaders Regions in Europe in the production and shipment of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as in the minimal processing, juices, canning, and frozen foods. Moreover, the scenic beaches, archaeological heritage, historic buildings and museums to visit in Cartagena, a more than three thousand years old city, are exceptional. To mention a few of them, the Byzantine Punic Rampart, the Roman Theater and Forum District or the unique National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. In addition, visit Spain is a good opportunity for enjoying everything under the sun: landscapes, food, music, traditions, beaches and so on. Our Postharvest and Refrigeration Group of the Technical University of Cartagena, integrated by people from several countries, has always collaborated with many colleagues from all over the world. This is also true for the organization of this event. We need now your help to join us in making this Symposium a symbolic and remarkable scientific and social experience.? Programme ISHS