Post-Harvest Forum to show true quality
Quality ManagementAPAL’s Post Harvest-Forum returns to the Goulburn Valley this January with a program that kicks off with some early results from APAL’s Quality Monitoring program.
“We are looking forward to diving into the quality monitoring results and what it will mean for growers as we head into yet another harvest with limited labour, as well as packing, storage and marketing plans across 2022,” said Industry Services Manager Justin Smith.
Dr Andreas Klieber is leading the QA research project
APAL has commissioned Andreas Klieber of Quality Associates to deliver the quality monitoring program, building on QA’s success in delivering a similar program for the Table Grape industry.
“The data collected at DCs and in store will build into a more robust resource over time. At this early stage the program is revealing some insights about harvest practices, that were a response to limited labour, that are important to share with industry before the next harvest,” said Justin.
Currently, Pink Lady apples are being collected and tested across the country, with the most recent two weeks data showing that internal browning is now displaying in fruit bought in stores. The retailers are also seeing this, and the three majors have commenced testing for internal browning as standard at their DCs.
More results will be presented on this at the APAL Post-Harvest Forum. Full program details will be released shortly. Register your interest via Eventbrite.
You can read more about the bigger picture for this quality testing in these articles from the Spring 2021 edition of AFG.
‘Apple quality program takes lead from mango and table grape success’
