It is my pleasure to invite you to the V^th International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruit in Stellenbosch, on 14-18 February, 2022. This esteemed event will be held on African soil for the first time, hosted by the Africa Institute for Postharvest Technology (AIPhT) at Stellenbosch University under the aegis of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). Due to covid-19 the symposium will be organised in a hybrid format to encourage both in-person and online attendance. Technical Tours of orchards and packhouses will allow delegates to explore the picturesque Cape Winelands region.

With the theme of the symposium being “Towards a Resilient and Prosperous Future”, we aim to provide a global platform for stakeholders in the pomegranate and minor Mediterranean fruit industry to engage with one another in sharing the latest innovations in the following areas:

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

Opportunities will be provided for interaction between researchers, academics, pre- and postharvest operators, exporters/importers, policymakers, and non-governmental agencies who 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, ordinary and poster display 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 crops widely cultivated in South Africa including berries, plums, cherries, olives, figs, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachio, and apricots.

On the behalf of the organising committee, we look forward to welcoming you to Stellenbosch, South Africa!

Yours sincerely,