Saturday, September 28, 2024

Engr. Mendoza-Olpot Concludes Successful Talk on Post-Harvest Engineering at Gourmet Farms Inc. Training

Engr. Richelle Mae D. Mendoza-Olpot, DAFE faculty member, recently concluded a successful session as a resource speaker during the Training on Post-Harvest Practices in High-Value Crops. The event, held from September 24 to 26, 2024, at Gourmet Farms, Inc. in Silang, Cavite, was organized in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region IV-A.

The training aimed to address the persistent issue of post-harvest losses, which account for nearly 40% of produce being wasted due to improper handling. Engr. Mendoza-Olpot's session, held on September 26, 2024, focused on Food Engineering: Equipment and Facilities for Post-Harvest, providing invaluable insights on how modern engineering solutions can mitigate these losses. Her talk emphasized the role of technology and infrastructure in optimizing post-harvest processes, introducing participants to equipment that can help preserve the quality of high-value crops while minimizing waste.

Engr. Mendoza-Olpot's expertise in agricultural engineering and post-harvest technology proved to be a significant asset for the participants, particularly Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) who were keen to apply the knowledge gained to their respective communities. Through practical demonstrations and case studies, she showcased innovations in post-harvest facilities that can be implemented to improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of farming practices.

The training not only helped AEWs understand the critical role of post-harvest equipment but also empowered them with tools and techniques to reduce losses and improve profitability for farmers across the region. Participants expressed appreciation for Engr. Mendoza-Olpot’s clear, practical, and forward-thinking approach.

In addition to Engr. Mendoza-Olpot, Ms. Abigail P. Daria, from the College of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Natural Resources (CAFENR), also shared her expertise during the event. Ms. Daria's session, which took place on September 25, 2024, covered the Importance of Post-Harvest Practices in High-Value Crops. Her presentation provided an overview of critical handling techniques that ensure the preservation of produce quality from farm to market, offering strategies that can significantly reduce losses during post-harvest stages.

Both speakers left the participants with a deeper understanding of how proper post-harvest practices and modern technologies can greatly enhance the agricultural value chain.

Engr. Mendoza-Olpot’s participation in the event was a pivotal part of its success, solidifying the role of DAFE in addressing critical agricultural challenges. (VVVergara)