Food Irradiation Policies & Possibilities

The California Farm Bureau Federation, in collaboration with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, held a symposium on the uses of irradiation technology for the horticultural industry. The symposium was held to give experts, horticultural industry representatives and government officials an opportunity to discuss and learn about the challenges and opportunities of irradiation technology uses for horticultural production. Speakers addressed the technology, US policy changes and the implications of the technology on trade as it relates to horticultural industry.

To view the symposium presentations you may link to each speaker presentation below. All presentations require the use of power point

• The Basics of Food Irradiation Technology - Harry Farrar, ASTM Subcommittee
• General aspect of food irradiation - Dr. Andy Vestal, Texas A&M
• Irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment - Dr. Guy Hallman, USDA/ARS
• Overview of APHIS rule - Paul Gadh, USDA/APHIS
• Equivalency framework agreement - Donna West, USDA/APHIS
• Pre-clearance programs - Tom Sutton, USDA/APHIS
• Process for U.S. exports - Petrina Evans, USDA/APHIS
• International Markets for Irradiated Food - Alan Green
• "NGOs and Food Irradiation: A Public Policy Case Study" - Christopher Kent, Stratfor Inc., Washington, D.C.
• "Consumer Attitudes Towards Irradiation" - Christine Bruhn, Center for Consumer Research University of California, Davis
• Overview of SPS Trade Barriers Affecting the Horticultural Industry - Wally Ewart, California Citrus Quality Council
• Hawaii Pride: Case study of an early adopter - Eric Weinert

• Tom Mates, Sterigenics International
• Joseph Borsa, MDS Nordion
• Andy Vestal, Texas A&M