Objective(s):
To explore postharvest research and outreach activities in terms of perceived benefits to funding agencies, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and society in general, and to adopt practices that not only solve postharvest problems, but also communicate the value of postharvest programs to these diverse groups.

Despite the fact that postharvest fruit and vegetable losses continue to be high (often 30% to 60%), even in developed countries, and that there have been concerted efforts to publicize the needs and opportunities for postharvest research and outreach activities to mitigate these losses, there is a perceived decline in interest in postharvest research and outreach activities from funding agencies, policy makers, industry stakeholders, and society in general. Are postharvest issues perceived to be as relevant to these group as they were in past decades? If so, what are the postharvest issues that resonate most with these groups? If not, how might postharvest research, extension and teaching professionals better communicate the value and impact of postharvest issues to these groups? This workshop will discuss these issues to not only solve postharvest problems, but also communicate the value of postharvest programs to these diverse groups.