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Global Postharvest Loss Prevention: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Actors

Approx. 13 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn about the science and technology behind postharvest handling, storage, and processing of fruits and vegetables with this course. Gain insights into the principles and practices that can help improve the quality, safety, and shelf-life of produce.

Key Learning Points

Understand the importance of postharvest handling in preserving the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables
Learn about the different methods and technologies used for postharvest handling, storage, and processing
Explore the challenges and opportunities in the postharvest sector, including issues related to sustainability and food waste reduction

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

Postharvest Technologist
- USA: $60,000
- India: ₹4,50,000
- Spain: €30,000
Food Safety Manager
- USA: $80,000
- India: ₹6,00,000
- Spain: €40,000
Produce Quality Assurance Specialist
- USA: $70,000
- India: ₹5,25,000
- Spain: €35,000

Learning Outcomes

Understand the principles and practices of postharvest handling, storage, and processing
Develop skills in evaluating and improving the quality and safety of produce
Learn about new technologies and innovations in the postharvest sector

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of agriculture and food systems
Access to the internet

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Food Safety, Quality and Compliance for Food Manufacturing
Sustainable Food Systems: A Mediterranean Perspective

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Director of the Horticulture Innovation Lab
Postharvest Specialist

Related Books

Description

This course provides an overview of the issue of postharvest loss of grains by exploring essential physical, technical, and social dimensions of postharvest supply chains and loss prevention methods globally.

Each year, estimates suggest that 1/3 of all food produced is lost or wasted, making postharvest loss a critical global food security and sustainability issue of today. Key knowledge areas are presented including: -An overview of postharvest loss -Supply chain activities such as harvesting, drying, and storage -Economics and markets -An introduction to the network of actors working in this field We face the immense challenge of feeding over 9 billion people by the year 2050. To meet these demands, yields will have to more than double using the same amount of natural resources. In recent years, postharvest loss has been recognized by major institutions including the US government, the United Nations, the CGIAR Research Consortium, and several others as a significant opportunity to impact food security and improve livelihoods. Despite this increased attention, a lack of knowledge, technical capacity, and resources remain obstacles for stakeholders worldwide to act on these issues. This course will, for the first time, provide you as professionals, practitioners, and students, with a comprehensive introduction to postharvest loss processes and begin building capacity for loss prevention worldwide.

Outline

Course Orientation
What is Postharvest Loss and Why is it a Global Issue?
Syllabus
About the Discussion Forums
Updating Your Profile
Social Media
Orientation Quiz

Week 1: Problem: Global Postharvest Loss
1.1. Food Insecurity: An Overview and Some Potential Solutions
1.2. Role of Water in Food Security: Global Perspectives
1.3. Overview of the Postharvest Supply Chain and the Role of Mechanization
Week 1 Overview
Week 1 Readings and Resources
Week 1 Quiz

Week 2: Causes: Major Causes & Encounters for PHL
2.1. Overview of Grain Harvesting: Methods, Equipment, and Losses
2.2.1. Grain Drying: Basic Principles of Drying
2.2.2. Grain Drying: Drying Methods
2.2.3. Grain Cleaning: Methods and Equipment
2.3. Grain Storage and Management
2.4 The Economics of Postharvest Loss: Structural Issues
Week 2 Overview
Week 2 Readings and Resources
Week 2 Quiz

Week 3: Solutions: A Prevention Framework for PHL
3.1. The Economics of Loss
3.2.1. Asking the Most Useful Questions
3.2.2. Tale of Two Cases: What Has Worked and What Hasn't Worked
3.2.3. Enabling Good Decisions by Creating a Market-Like Environment
3.3. Effective Extension for the Prevention of Postharvest Losses
3.4. Working in Subsistence Marketplaces
3.5. Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services
3.6. Understanding Subsistence Marketplaces
3.7. Designing Solutions
Week 3 Overview
Week 3 Readings and Resources
Week 3 Quiz

Week 4: Actors: A Network of Global Stakeholders
4.1.1. Food Security on the Modern International Agenda
4.1.2. Trends in International Awareness of Postharvest Loss: From Kissinger to 2015
4.2. Solving Problems as an International Community: Benefits and Challenges of Collaborating for Food Loss Reduction
4.3. SAVE FOOD Partnership and the Community of Practice on Food Loss Reduction
4.4. The ADM Institute Approach to Postharvest Loss Prevention
Week 4 Overview
Week 4 Readings and Resources
Week 4 Quiz
Final Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Discover how to properly store and maintain postharvest crops in this comprehensive course. Students rate this course highly, praising its hands-on approach and practical applications. Many users find the course to be informative and engaging, with a well-designed curriculum that covers all aspects of postharvest management.