Almost 300 researchers and postharvest industry personnel attended the meeting, from more than 35 countries. This attendance is indicative of the prime position of postharvest research in world horticulture. There has been a significant shift in recent years, in both developing and developed countries, away from research on crop production, to that on postharvest quality. In some systems, this may mean reduction in spoilage by simple techniques such as temperature control and care in handling, and in others, it might mean product differentiation or segregation of products according to specified quality characteristics.

These movements are as much a part of the horticultural industry in New Zealand as in any country. Accordingly, the Organising Committee, with the New Zealand postharvest community, were delighted to be hosting such an international meeting. The roar of the active volcano Ruapehu across Lake Taupo was perhaps an appropriate symbol for the energy apparent at the meeting.

These Proceedings are edited by Rod Bieleski, William Laing and Chris Clark, and we are grateful for their efforts. This is also an appropriate place to thank those on the Organising Committee, and in the Postharvest Group of HortResearch for their fine work in running the conference.

Ian Ferguson
Chairman, Organising Committee