2014 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
Objectives 1) Provide a platform for scientists, policy makers and industry leaders to evaluate the challenges and opportunities for better sustainability of tropical horticulture. 2) Provide opportunities for integrating different fields of sciences such as economics (policies), microbiology (food safety), nutrition (human health), and pre-and postharvest sciences in order to identify and recommend key research criterion. 3) Evaluate the needs and assess the hurdles for future sustainability of tropical fruits and vegetables.

It is estimated that the world production of tropical fruit will reach approximately 82 million tons in 2014, according to the United Nations` Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In the current globalized world, exchanges of cultures have impacted significantly on the dietary trends of consumers worldwide. These trends have resulted in advancement of technologies critical for the production, supply and demand of the tropical and sub-tropical horticultural crops.  The current day ‘American consumer’ has access to more tropical fruits and vegetables than he/she has ever been.  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 also be attributed to the recent discoveries on the role of dietary components in preventing and combating diseases. This also enabled consumers to taste and relish fruits and vegetables which were once exotic and only pictorially described. It is also reflected in the increasing trend in the import of tropical fruits and vegetables to the USA. Reports suggest that the U.S. demand for fresh tropical fruits and vegetables has increased greatly since the early 1970s. It is estimated that the imports of tropical fruits and vegetables between 1990–92 and 2004–06, increased from $2.7 billion to $7.9 billion. Fruits such as mango, pineapple, papaya, avocados, grapes, and plums, increased consistently through the past decade. With an expected increase of 24% in the volume of demand for tropical fruits the estimated import of tropical fruits will account for 2.6 million tons. Although these trends seem lucrative and promising, it has its share of concerns. The major factors limiting the increase are health issues. The critical compliance requirements by the health and safety requirements although helps in preventing any untoward incident, recent large scale food borne disease outbreaks renews the need for a better traceability and postharvest techniques to maintain the quality. Furthermore, exploring understudied fruits and vegetables pose food safety and quality concerns. These challenges are daunting but also provide opportunities for integrating different fields of sciences such as economics, microbiology, nutrition and pre-and postharvest sciences. The proposed colloquium will provide a platform for scientists, policy makers and industry leaders to evaluate the challenges and opportunities for better sustainability of tropical horticulture. The topics include important aspects of tropical horticulture that need to be addressed at a global level.