The 2012 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
1) Provide a platform for scientists, policy makers and industry leaders to evaluate the challenges and opportunities for sustainable and nutritional security of tropical fruits and vegetables 2) Provide opportunities for integrating policies, food safety as well as human health and flavor attributes due to pre and postharvest practices. The colloquium will help to identify and recommend key research criterion based on the panel discussions.

Research on tropical fruits and vegetables has seen tremendous advancements in the past few decades. However in the recent years, the “healthy living” concept instilled among the consumers, has lead to exploration of fruits and vegetables beyond the continental barriers. Increase in consumer awareness on health benefits of tropical fruits and vegetables can be attributed to the recent advances on the role of dietary components in reducing risks certain diseases. Interestingly, US consumers started appreciating taste, flavor and health benefits of tropical fruits and vegetables.  Once considered exotic and only pictorially described, now there is demand by certain sectors of consumers for such fruits and vegetables. The enhanced market significantly started impacting the US economy. Furthermore, exploring these understudied fruits and vegetables pose food safety concerns. While challenges are daunting, it is critical that one should make use of opportunities by integrating policies, food safety, human health and flavor attributes due to pre and postharvest practices. The workshop will provide a platform for scientists, policy makers and industry leaders to evaluate the challenges and opportunities for sustainable and nutritional security of tropical fruits and vegetables.