Department of Food Science & Technology
 Extension Services
  
 
Value-Added Food Products Development
Industry Survey
 
 

 
A Special Report:
Understanding the Oregon Fruit and Vegetable Industry

Dr. Yanyun Zhao
Associate Professor and Value-Added Food Product Extension Specialist

Dr. Mark Daeschel
Professor and Fruit & Vegetable Safety Extension Specialist

OSU, Dept. of Food Science & Technology
Corvallis, Oregon 97331

Project Outline/Summary

The fruit and vegetable industry, as one of the major food industries in Oregon, provides great opportunities for Oregon’s agriculture and economy, as well as to Oregon State University with respect to research resources and undergraduate and graduate education. OSU Food Science and Technology Extension faculty initiated a survey of the Oregon fruit and vegetable industry, and visited several commodity commissions, fruit and vegetable processors, and county Extension agents during the summer and early Fall of 2001. The goal was to understand the makeup and needs of the Oregon fruit and vegetable industry, to promote collaboration with OSU, and to identify potential food science Extension/outreach program needs in the state. This special report is a summary of this effort. It is anticipated that information generated from this study will help to develop informative and educational programs that meet the specific needs and concerns of Oregon fruit and vegetable processors, build significant collaborations between OSU research and Extension faculty, fruit and vegetable processors, and county Extension agents, and promote OSU undergraduate and graduate education in food science.

Introduction to the Oregon Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industry
The fruit and vegetable processing industry is one of the major food industries in Oregon. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture database and member lists from Oregon Commodity Commissions, there are about 100 fruit and vegetable related processors in the state, (ODA 2000).

The need for developing and enhancing the quality and safety and increasing the value of fruit and vegetable products have increased dramatically as a result of global competition and market demands. Food processors are seeking ideas, input and support for adding value to their products. This includes technology to enhance product quality, extend product shelf-life, improve food safety, and develop novel products that meet specific market needs. Historically, the Oregon fruit and vegetable industry has worked with Oregon State University in providing research resources, enhancing students’ learning experiences, and assisting technology transfer. University and industrial collaboration is paramount to enhancing Oregon’s agricultural resources. The real challenge in developing such collaboration is communication, i.e., understanding each partner’s interests and needs; how to promote industrial willingness to collaborate, and how to ensure university research will meet specific industry problems. A clear understanding of the education and economic needs of agricultural industry is a primary goal of the Cooperative Extension Program.
Structure of Industry Survey
The survey questionnaire developed by Dr. Yanyun Zhao consists of fourteen questions focusing on:
  • Understanding the specific makeup of Oregon fruit and vegetable processors
  • The need for extension education programs
  • Areas and interests from which processors seek university assistance

Surveys were mailed in July 2001, to over 200 recipients involved in the fruit and vegetable industry including processors, commissions, and trade organizations. Among them, approximately 100 are directly involved with the processing of fruits and vegetables. After receiving the initial survey response, a reminder post card was mailed in September 2001, to those who had not responded. Also during this time period, Drs. Zhao and Daeschel visited five Oregon fruit and vegetable related commissions, six Extension county offices dealing with fruit and vegetable crops, and six major Oregon fruit and vegetable processors. Information gathered during these on-site visits is combined with survey responses into the resulting comprehensive report.

This report is designed to illustrate the specific needs of the Oregon fruit and vegetable industry with the intent of developing effective extension education programs, allowing the industry to become more competitive in domestic and international markets. Furthermore, the survey gathers input on how to develop effective research programs that will be benefit the Oregon fruit and vegetable industry.


Report of Survey Results