University of California, Davis has launched a customized program for professional produce certification, aimed at training workers on  food handling across the supply chain.

The four-year program seeks to provide fresh industry employers with means of analyzing job applicants and determining postharvest qualifications.

Topics covered in the certification courses include safety, new technologies, physiology, harvesting, cooling, transportation, ripening and marketing fresh produce.

Students can specialize their coursework, in addition to taking three core classes: the Postharvest Technology Short Course, the Produce Safety Course and either the Fruit Ripening and Retail Handling Workshop or the Fresh Cut Products Workshop.

Postharvest Technology Center director Beth Mitcham described the program as beneficial for both employers and workers looking to improve their skill base.

"When produce industry employers are hiring, candidates with a Produce Professional Certificate will have an advantage over other candidates," Mitcham said.

"When you know the candidate has learned and demonstrated knowledge of best practices for produce handling, you’re confident they will be an assist to your company."

The university described the program as the first in the world of its kind.

Photo: Postharvest Technology Short Course field tour in Penny Stockdale, UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center

www.freshfruitportal.com