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The market gardening sector wants to control the logistics of fresh products from grower to retailer. Our research team carries out research for this sector to find out the best solutions for specific situations encountered in practice. The goals of the market (food safety, freshness, etc.) are to be incorporated into a practical design. Much attention is paid to the possibility of (sensor) technologies to fulfil these goals.
Monitoring of quality progress
The ability to manage quality is the aim of a two-year project being carried out
for Productschap Tuinbouw, and co-financed by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry. Being studied is not only how to identify and locate
products, but also quality parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and
duration. Such information will enable the quality of perishable market garden
products to be determined directly. An important quality parameter is the
remaining shelf-life of the product. Once this is known, product loss can be
prevented and in its place comes the fulfilment of specific customer wishes,
such as ripeness, taste, etc.
Sensor technology
Sensor technology can be used to 'track' and 'trace' and establish conditions
within the chain. EC-Pack differentiates three groups:
- Time-temperature indicators (TTI, see figure)
- Dataloggers
- Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology (see figure)
Dataloggers do provide this feature, but are more expensive than TTI's. RFID is the most advanced technology available currently. RFID can enable data at a distance (maximum about 100 metres) to be read without human intervention. This technology is also less sensitive to dirt and data can be read from behind walls.
Since each of the technologies has advantages and disadvantages, developing a good tracking and tracing system has to consider market aims and current situations.
Actual tests
The tracking and tracing systems spearheaded by quality are being tested in
chains by companies. Pilot studies are being done for vegetables, fruit and
ornamental plant products. Various parties (growers, auction houses and
technology suppliers) take part in this project.
EC-Pack / Agrotechnology & Food Innovations b.v. coordinates the entire research project. Besides technology and information exchange, much attention is also paid to the organisation of chains, so that the aims of the sector can be achieved.
More information can be obtained from Frans-Peter Scheer or Henry Boerrigter.
