Agricultural technology is a significant factor in the future of the ag and food continuum; you know, what’s called “seed to shelf.” To that end, this Techwire blog is now a food and ag tech platform.
Simple as that. Well, sorta.
The more astute among ag tech developers have already noticed that major growers either have very specific requirements imposed by their biggest customers (Wal-Mart, Costco, et al) or have enterprises encompassing food production, packaging and shipping — and sometimes, retailing.
Ag tech, by logical extension and economic possibility, is food production technology.
You need look no further — and should attend — the Food Processing Expo on Feb. 17-18, which should fill the Sacramento Convention Center to overflow capacity. Here’s the link.
Topic No. 1 at the conference might be the incredibly complex implementation of the federal Food Safety & Modernization Act (FSMA, pronounced FIZZ-MA by the cognoscenti). This is a primary concern for growers, for the same compliance and liability reasons.
For tech experts, there’s a seminar at the Expo: “Developing a Robust Foreign Material Prevention / Detection Program.” There you have it — applied tech for food and ag to catch contamination, or better yet, to identify conditions that foster foodborne illnesses.
Other sessions on the docket include more discussion about potential needs of food and ag clients. For example, there’s new sorting technology (i.e., size, shape and eye-appeal). This tech applies to the field, packing house and processing plant.
And — here’s a biggie for all parties and particularly for processors — there’s a session on energy savings “Where You Least Expect It.” Working with energy self-generation, which has many small apps and integrated tech embedded, is another session.
Here’s one more that’s not so readily apparent: “Nontraditional IPM Techniques.” IPM is integrated pest management. This is more than killing cockroaches! Pests abound and adapt, and pesticides are not favorably viewed. IPM involves a carefully managed integrative approach, which … yes, would benefit from food and ag tech.
And a handy data warehouse:
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Statistics/PDFs/2015Report.pdf
You’re welcome! And stay tuned.
