VISITORS TOUR

History

All perishable crops including fruits, vegetables and flowers can die prematurely if they are not managed properly, both before and after harvest. Of special importance is how perishables are handled after harvest, during the aptly named "postharvest" period.

Research has documented that approximately15 to 50% of floral crops are ruined before being enjoyed by consumers due to improper postharvest care and handling. The floral crops in question include, cut flowers, bedding plants, cut foliage, potted flowering plants and foliage plants. Examples of improper postharvest treatments include poor temperature and/or humidity management, inadequate aeration, rough handling, improper packaging, transportation delays, ethylene exposures, unsuitable irrigation and/or fertilization practices and excessive storage time.

The Chain of Life Network® provides information to address and solve the above noted postharvest related problems. It combines the educational and commercial experiences of its founder, Dr. George Staby, with significant input by floral industry veterans and university researchers to form the most comprehensive informational care, handling and marketing program available. It also builds on previous and present floral industry, university and association efforts that addressed the same or similar postharvest subjects.

To understand better the potential opportunities associated with this program, one should become familiar with an earlier educational program named Chain of Life.

>>> Continue to Chain of Life origin