FOREWORD

The International Conference, Postharvest Unlimited Downunder 2004, was held in Sydney, Australia on 9-12 November 2004. This was the first time that this prestigious conference series had been held in the southern hemisphere. The theme for the Conference was "Postharvest technologies for the delivery of high quality horticultural products – implementation based on an understanding of the physiological and engineering requirements of produce". The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS) jointly agreed to co-badge this conference.

Food Science Australia (FSA; a joint venture between the CSIRO and the State Government of Victoria) joined forces with the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Inc. for conference management. This arrangement was made in order to take advantage of AIRAH’s professional reputation for delivery of conferences, seminars and training courses that meet the needs of the diverse industries they service. An impressive line-up of speakers and events was assembled, with the help of the international scientific committee, and there help is greatly appreciated.

Ninety four (94) participants from 14 countries attended the 9 conference sessions where 37 oral presentations and 30 posters were presented. The conference highlighted the most recent and exciting developments in the postharvest area, with an emphasis on the following aspects:

• Quality kinetics and modelling
• Postharvest physiology
• Measurement of quality attributes
• Fresh-cut products – technological challenges
• Processing and process improvement
• Technologies for shelf-life extension
• Preharvest effects on Postharvest
• Tracking and tracing supply chains

The conference was sponsored by a number of local horticultural or industry service companies. These included Horticulture Australia Limited, Ceebron Pty Limited, Wobelea Pty Limited, NSW Department of State and Regional Development, Perfection Fresh Pty Limited, Sydney Postharvest Laboratory and Temperature Technologies.

Postharvest Unlimited Downunder 2004 was both a success professionally as well as socially thanks to the sponsors mentioned above, and to the committed efforts of the organising partners, the Australia Institute of Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Heating Inc. (AIRAH) and Food Science Australia. Without the dedication of the people involved, this conference would not have run as smoothly, nor have been such a pleasure to host, as this was. We look forward to the next instalment…