SAS 90F   Sec 001   (2 units)   CRN 88632  T 2:10-4:00 pm   70 Social Sciences
Food Distribution in a Hungry World

Instructor: Adel Kader, Department of Pomology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Description: The seminar will focus on the biological, technological, environmental and socioeconomic factors influencing postharvest losses of foods from plant origin. The food distribution systems at the local, regional, national and international levels will be examined with an eye toward needed improvements to reduce postharvest losses of quality and quantity in durable and perishable commodities. Examples of small-scale postharvest handling practices will be presented. The need for collaboration and cooperation among many specialists such as biologists, food technologists, engineers, sociologists and economists in solving food distribution problems will be emphasized. The role of the producers, handlers, marketers and consumers in reducing postharvest losses will be discussed.

Format: The seminar will meet weekly for two hours. Active participation in discussion is expected from all students. Demonstrations of the effects of inherent (internal) and environmental (external) factors on deterioration rate of fresh fruits and vegetables will be organized for viewing and discussion of how to use the information gained in getting the message across to handlers of these commodities. Each student is expected to prepare and present a report about strategies for reducing postharvest food losses. Grading: Grading will be based on participation in class discussion (25%), oral presentation (25%), and a written report (50%).

About the Instructor: Adel Kader is a professor of Postharvest Physiology in the Department of Pomology. He is a native of Egypt and has served as a consultant on reduction of postharvest food losses for many international development agencies. His research deals with postharvest biology and technology of fruits in relation to quality maintenance and reduction of losses. He has published more than 150 technical publications and edited and co-authored a book on Postharvest Technology of Horticultural Crops. He was elected a fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science in 1986.