Postharvest

USDA awards $5 million to support sustainable packaging lab for fresh produce

The USDA has awarded $5 million to the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Foundation for Fresh Produce and Clemson University to establish a Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab. The lab will focus on developing new packaging... more »

Processing lines are weeding out toxic plants mixed with vegetable crops

Toxic weeds can be difficult to combat on processing lines. When poisonous Datura stramonium (commonly known as thorn apple, stinkweed, angel’s trumpet and jimsonweed) or nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) plants get mixed with green vegetables, the... more »

Producers, suppliers may be on an accelerated deadline with FSMA 204 compliance

A new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule requiring additional traceability records for certain foods goes into effect in January 2026, but the deadline for compliance may become a reality even sooner. The FDA’s... more »

Neolithics introduces AI produce inspection for vegetable growers

Neolithics has launched an AI-based produce inspection service designed to benefit vegetable growers by providing rapid, non-destructive assessments. The technology offers minute-by-minute results on the quality, ripeness and internal condition of produce, helping growers and... more »

FDA to hear comments on leveraging technology

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has scheduled a virtual and in-person meeting to seek ideas on how the agency can leverage data and technology to advance food safety. The FDA is asking stakeholders to... more »

Verdant enters broccoli partnership

Verdant Technologies is expanding the adoption of its trademarked HarvestHold Fresh product in Canada to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the North American broccoli supply chain. HarvestHold Fresh is an in-box sheet that uses... more »

“FoldBot” robot reduces cardboard folding

A robot cardboard folding system cuts carton folding time and expense. Small farmers can hand fold the boxes and – for larger growers buying millions – an expensive full-size automated forming machine. [caption id="attachment_34421" align="alignleft"... more »

Jensie Smith joins Fox Packaging as account manager

Jensie Smith is the new retail and key accounts manager at Fox Packaging. Smith will manage a portfolio of key accounts, overseeing communication, streamlining artwork changes and guiding packaging programs. Jensie... more »

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