Advancing Postharvest Innovation: Training at Zamorano University

Training participants practicing proper washing and handling techniques for leafy greens in Zamorano University's food safety facility. Workers wearing appropriate food safety gear including hairnets, masks, and protective aprons demonstrate correct produce handling protocols.

Advancing Postharvest Innovation: Training at Zamorano University

In Honduras and across Central America, farmers face significant challenges in postharvest handling of fruits, vegetables, and grains. A recent training initiative locally led by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture Central America Regional Hub based at Zamorano University addressed these challenges head-on, bringing together key stakeholders for an intensive three-day learning experience.

Professor Julio López Montes, Msc., delivers information about the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture program postharvest technologies and innovations during a classroom training session. — Zamorano Professor Julio López Montes delivers information about the Horticulture Innovation Lab postharvest technologies and innovations during a classroom training session.

A diverse selection of fresh horticultural produce laid out for quality assessment during the postharvest handling training, including tropical fruits, vegetables, and root crops. Various tools for produce handling and measurement can be seen on the right side of the wooden table. — A diverse selection of fresh horticultural produce laid out for quality assessment during the postharvest handling training, including tropical fruits, vegetables, and root crops.

From November 27-29, 2024, the Central America Regional Hub team hosted a specialized training course focused on postharvest management of vegetables, fruits, and grains. The program brought together small-scale producers and representatives from private companies and NGOs, creating an environment for knowledge exchange and skills development.

The curriculum covered essential areas for improving post-harvest handling:

Post-harvest importance and quality control
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
Temperature and relative humidity management
Advanced postharvest technologies
Product preparation and packaging
Ripening indices and efficient harvesting
Transportation methods
Specific requirements for grains and seeds

Expert facilitators from Zamorano University and partnering NGOs led the sessions, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The training aimed to address common challenges that lead to low-quality products, economic losses, and food safety concerns in the region.

This initiative represents an important step in strengthening the agricultural sector in Central America. By focusing on postharvest handling techniques, the program aims to help producers minimize losses, meet market standards, and contribute to a more efficient food supply chain.

Graduates of the three-day postharvest management training program pose with their certificates outside Zamorano University's campus buildings. The diverse group includes representatives from private companies, NGOs, and agricultural producers from across Central America. — Graduates of the three-day postharvest management training program pose with their certificates alongside their instructors. The diverse group included representatives from private companies, NGOs, and agricultural producers from across Central America.

For more information about similar initiatives or future training opportunities, please contact Zamorano University or visit the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture projects page.

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Honduras Guatemala

Advancing Postharvest Innovation: Training at Zamorano University