On December the 1st, the International Fresh Produce Association commented on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) regarding programs put in place by the NIFA and the urgent need to scale these programs to the wider country.
“It is crucial to stress the significance of horticulture in the US economy as the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) prepares its RFAs for competitive programs. 2.2 million people depend on horticulture for their living, and it produces over $120 billion in earnings and wages. Over 105, 000 Americans are thought to die each year as a result of consuming insufficient amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, according to a study from Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. The most labor-intensive parts of the supply chain will require fewer manpower thanks to investments in robots and automation, but preserving the product’s quality and safety is of utmost importance. We believe there is an urgent need to comprehend the fundamental science underlying crop-specific conservation techniques that not only sequester atmospheric carbon but provide other environmental benefits.” The International Fresh Produce Association comments
Moreover, the IFPA highlights the need to invest in new technology to better comprehend the optimization of fresh produce and flower culture.
“We implore USDA NIFA to take into account the NACMCF study on the benefits of funding Cyclospora cayetanensis research as well as the potential it presents. Until these interactions are completely understood, we will not be able to fully capitalize on the health-promoting advantages of fresh fruit. It is crucial to invest in discovering cutting-edge pest management methods given the continued worldwide concern about pollinator health. The necessity to assure the microbiological safety of water for use along the fresh produce and flower production chain is inextricably linked to the need to maximize water usage efficiency. To ensure microbiological water quality and conveyance systems for specialized crops, new technologies must urgently be developed.” Mentions the press release of the International Fresh Produce Association
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