5th CABTP: science, technology and environment in dialogue

From October 21 to 24, 2025, the city of Cipolletti (Río Negro) will host the 5th Argentine Congress on Postharvest Biology and Technology (5th CABTP), a meeting that will bring together researchers, companies and key players in the sector under the theme “Towards sustainable postharvest: integrating science, technology and environment”. The event is organized by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the National University of Comahue, the Environmental Toxicology and Agrobiotechnology Research Center (CITAAC-CONICET-UNCo) and INTA-EEA Alto Valle. It will be held at the Cipolletti Cultural Complex and will feature experts from the United States, Spain, Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. The aim is to strengthen links between science, technology and industry to ensure quality and safe fruit and vegetables produced sustainably.

A meeting point for science and industry

The 5th CABTP will offer a comprehensive program, covering topics from fruit ripening biology and physiology to advanced postharvest conservation technologies. In addition to keynote lectures, there will be expert roundtable discussions, oral presentations, poster sessions and a technical tour of packing and production facilities in Alto Valle, Río Negro and Neuquén.

Renowned international speakers

The 5th CABTP will bring together a notable group of national and international experts who will present cutting-edge research on postharvest biology, physiology and technology, including the environmental impact of postharvest processes.

The first day will focus on “Physiology, biology and conservation technologies to preserve fruit quality”. Topics will include the latest findings on ripening biology and preservation strategies. Dr. Bárbara Blanco-Ulate (UC Davis, USA) will discuss the role of ethylene in fruit and vegetable ripening and its effect on susceptibility to pathogens. Dr. Francisco Javier Corpas (Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spain) will speak on modulators of ripening in non-climacteric fruits. Dr. Carolina Torres (Washington State University, USA) will address the optimization of apple and pear shelf life under cold storage and the impact of climate conditions. Dr. Víctor Escalona (CEPOC, Chile) will share postharvest strategies for blueberries and cherries.

The second day will center on “Efficiency and sustainability,” with contributions from Dr. Gabriela Fogliata (EEAOC, Argentina) and Dr. Perla Gómez (Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Spain) on sustainable disinfection techniques and disease control strategies for plant products. Dr. Alejandro Pablo Arena (CLIOPE Group, UTN Mendoza, Argentina) will address environmental footprint assessment for sustainable production. The day will also feature Dr. Brian Bailey (UC Davis, USA), speaking on next-generation technologies for understanding and predicting the links between preharvest and postharvest management, and Dr. Maximiliano Dini (INIA Las Brujas, Uruguay), who will discuss the impact of breeding and cultivation technologies on fruit postharvest.

The third day will focus on “Value addition, nutritional composition, marketing and consumption”. Dr. Perla Gómez will present on value-added products and minimal processing. Dr. José Manuel Palma (Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spain) will explore the potential of fleshy fruits as functional foods with anticancer components. Agronomist Betina Ernst (Top Info Marketing S.A., Argentina) will discuss current trends in fruit and vegetable marketing and consumption. Dr. Gustavo Martínez (INFIVE, Argentina) will deliver a summary and final reflections, providing a comprehensive view of the future of postharvest research and development in the country.

Invitation to participate

The 5th CABTP offers multiple benefits, from training for students and professionals to networking opportunities, the development of technological solutions and the promotion of Argentina’s produce competitiveness in global markets.

The 5th CABTP is a key event for those aiming to innovate in the fruit and vegetable sector. The congress invites producers, companies, researchers and students to take part, and also welcomes sponsors and institutions interested in supporting a high-impact event for the region and the country.

More information and registration