Pennsylvania is in the heart of the regional concentration of food processing and manufacturing industry in the Northeast. The food processing industries of Pennsylvania ranks third and fourth in value and value-added shipments, respectively. The 1993 farm gate value in Pennsylvania was about $5.1 billion and the value of the output from the food-processing sector was about $21.1 billion. The food processing industry, therefore, is a significant contributor to the state economy. An understanding of the food processing and manufacturing is important not only because of the economic magnitude of the industry in the number of people employed by these industries, but also because it represents a critical link in the food system. This industry connects the interests of farmers to the retailers and consumers.

Sub POW 1.H.1: Quality issues in food processing

Objective 1.H.1.1: Participants upon completion of educational programs will gain knowledge about the issues relating to raw material and ingredient quality, learn techniques to assess raw material quality, learn about the basic principles governing product quality and apply the information to improve plant operations.

1. Number of participants in programs related to food processing quality issues.
2. Number of participants that demonstrate they have increased their knowledge about critical issues related to raw material and product quality relevant to their specific industry.