PRIMA StopMedWaste contribution to postharvest industry

During decades, all researchers working on alternatives to synthetic fungicides in postharvest were claiming the need to stop using synthetic fungicides that would damage human health and environment. The time has arrived when European Authorities and supermarket chains are implementing a strong policy of reducing the use of these conventional treatments to an extreme that puts the fruits and vegetables production in risk of dangerously increasing their waste rates. With increasing restrictions to use synthetic pesticides and fungicides, lack of effective tools to reduce waste is leaving producers without profitability. Alternative effective treatments in pre and postharvest are more necessary than ever. StopMedWaste is aiming to provide market with natural or non-contaminant treatments that can be accepted by the new strategies of market and still protect fruits and vegetables from waste during postharvest and shelf life. Industry is eager to commercialize this type of products and collaboration between research institute, universities and industry is crucial if we want to succeed in the objective of maintain sustainable resources of fruits and vegetables.