Applying Technology To Improve Yields
Saying that the last 18 months of Produce Markets have been extraordinary is an understatement:
Shortages caused by weather & disease
Pro-rating became the norm for leafy greens
Foodservice menu boards were blanketed with “Due to supply issues, we’re out of (Romaine)”
While “fresh produce supply chain events” aren’t uncommon…these recent patterns have set records for their frequency and length of time supply has been plagued.
More weather interruptions, including Atmospheric Rivers are causing additional rain in Salinas. Some 500% more rain is expected in the Nations Salad Bowl, and cooler weather is forecasted for Southern AZ....it’s incredible !!!
Seems that what used to be anticipated as an occasional weather related market has turned into “the daily normal” in many growing areas. We can expect delayed plantings in the Salinas Valley which will put pressure on other growing areas. Thus, expect more Supply Chain issues from now thru July. But, will that be the end of the bizarre markets and return us to normal…who knows?
Not only are US Grocery Stores and Restaurants stocked with more South of the Border produce, but the acreage committed to growing there continues to increase, as does consistent quality, experience and modern processing facilities. Freight continues to be an issue and there are occasions when produce originating in Central Mexico offers freight advantages to Eastern markets versus produce originating on the West Coast.
In California, weather patterns continue to shift allowing increased varieties of fruits and vegetables to be grown in non-traditional areas.
Hydroponics and green house growing continue to expand in popularity and efficiency. While indoor growing will increase, it will not replace traditional farming in the near term. BUT – it surely offers greatly increased controls of temperature, fertilizers and hours of sunlight, and might shorten growing times and increase yields. Of course it all depends on the variety of produce and boils down to economics. With the recent risk farmers have been experiencing…it opens the door to alternative solutions to traditional modern farming applications.
Thus, the steadfast question is how do we reduce waste, increase yields, maintain the cold chain and deliver more of what we grow to the consumer. More than likely the answer is better controls from the field to the plate. Much attention is being given by gathering useable data and applying technology that creates useful information to improve our ability to fill the supply chain with more quality product from the same acreage.
In light of the recently announced FSMA 204 (Food Safety Modernization Act), companies are taking a closer look at what they collect and how they use data. Implementing enhanced tracking, tracing and record keeping of food products will expeditiously increase visibility of issues that have pestered our industry. Thus, allow more actionable and targeted alterations to resolving these operational pit falls. While the FDA’s primary intention is Food Safety, there is every opportunity for these increased controls to assist the produce industry in reducing waste, decreasing mis-handling and improving cost.
RFID tags are an effective tool and becoming more affordable. So far, the test results are very promising. Reducing the human error by applying automated scan antennas to read the tags is the intention. These “readers” can be placed on trucks in the field, at the hydro-coolers, on the long-haul rigs, in the processing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, the local delivery trucks and the restaurants and, will gather critical business information.
The best approach is to understand where the greatest opportunities lie and develop proofs of concept on methods to using data to improve results in:
· Field operations
· Shelf life
· The Cold Chain
· Rotation
· Inventory management
It’s easier said than done! A good start is determining what information you have, probe what information you wish you had and more importantly, identify your ultimate goals and objectives.
Expect dynamic headway in “Wide Angle Visibility” as Proof of Concept trials are completed. Thus, the results will expedite a system that will elevate food safety, accuracy and effectiveness in the fresh produce industry. The future can look brighter in spite of the recent difficulties.
Agribusiness Lead