The countdown to the V^th International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits has begun. The Symposium will take place on February 15-17, 2022.

This esteemed event is hosted by the Africa Institute for Postharvest Technology (AIPhT) at Stellenbosch University under the aegis of the International Society for Horticultural Science  (ISHS).

In light of recent developments around COVID-19 and the sudden emergence of the new Omicron variant, the Symposium format has changed and will now be hosted as a fully virtual Symposium. This allows you to join us from the safety and comfort of your own home.

Symposium Theme: Towards a Resilient and Prosperous Future

The sub-themes include:

• Breeding and plant improvement
• Pre-harvest management (horticulture and crop protection)
• Postharvest management and logistics
• Health benefits of pomegranate and emerging crops
• Pomegranate agro-processing and value addition
• Markets and economics
• Climate change and sustainability

This Symposium will provide a global platform for stakeholders in the pomegranate and minor Mediterranean fruit industry to engage with one another in sharing the latest innovations for managing the quality and safety of these fruit along the value chain.

Researchers, academics, pre- and postharvest operators, exporters/importers, policymakers, and non-governmental agencies will present their latest scientific results and deliberate on several pertinent issues. Not only will this event broaden the knowledge base of all concerned, but it will also enhance the synergies between the different institutions. The Symposium will be organized in plenary and two breakaway sessions.

Although we will maintain the emphasis on pomegranate fruit, like previously held symposia, this meeting is unique in also featuring topics related to emerging and Mediterranean crops: avocado, plum, kiwi, raspberry, strawberry, litchi, blueberry, apricot, loquat, almond, fig, prickly pear, tomato, guava, pear, passion fruit, papaya, mango, mandarin, banana, nectarine.

We invite you to register and attend this Symposium
On behalf of our Organising Committee

Convener