Logistics and Postharvest Handling of Locally Grown Produce

Publisher Summary The aim of the postharvest handling of locally grown produce is to deliver quality produce to the consumer. Quality cannot be improved after harvesting; therefore it is important to harvest fruits and vegetables at the proper stage, size, and at optimal quality. Postharvest life, however, can be maintained and extended by optimized handling and reducing damage through the application of correct postharvesting techniques. Quality is the result of the interaction among many factors including produce, consumer perceptions, distribution, and postharvest handling systems. The legislation and regulations applied to the quality and safety assurance of FFVs (fresh fruits and vegetables) also have an impact on produce quality at sales point. The main issues for consumers are what product the consumer wants, and how much the consumer is willing to pay for it. Consumer expectation should be met through the implementation of adequate logistic and postharvest handling techniques. Although it is tempting to meet the needs of all consumers in a market, an effective strategy identifies those characteristics important to a distinct segment. This also applies to locally-grown FFVs. However, the logistic question remains: Whether it is possible to provide the volume requested at the right time, in the right place, in the right quality, and at the right price. The adequate postharvest handling of FFVs must account for the cultural, economic, technological, environmental, administrative, and legal context of the target market.