Al Wagner

Areas of Expertise

• Food processing
• Food safety

Professional Summary

Al Wagner, Ph.D., is a professor and Extension food technologist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. Wagner received his B.S. in Agriculture Education from Texas A&M University in 1969.  He received his M.S. in Food Science in 1972 and his Ph.D. in Food Science in 1981 also from Texas A&M.  Wagner served as a Food Technology Specialist, with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension from 1976 to 2010.  From 1996 until 2008 he served as Associate Department Head for Extension Horticulture.  He retired in August of 2010 and was hired back, half time, to continue his work as a “process authority” for processed fruit and vegetable products.

Wagner continues to work with food processors in Texas, advising them on regulatory issues and food safety.  He created a web-site for food entrepreneurs that has become very popular and useful to not only the new people, but established food processors.  He conducts an annual training for persons producing acidified and low-acid foods.  This is a certification school required by FDA and USDA.  He also continues to serve as the Executive Director of the Texas Food Processors Association.