An estimated 14 percent of global fresh produce is lost between harvest and retail, partly due to spoilage caused by mold and rot. In response to this challenge, agricultural technology company Biotalys and post-harvest solutions provider AgroFresh Solutions have announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize new biological fungicides for post-harvest use.
Fungicides are a key component of post-harvest disease management, helping to maintain the quality of fresh produce during storage and transportation. This new partnership aims to broaden the range of available tools by focusing on biological, protein-based alternatives to traditional chemical treatments.
According to AgroFresh CEO Clint Lewis, the collaboration is intended to support the development of post-harvest freshness solutions, especially for perishable and high-value crops where even minor losses can lead to significant food waste and financial costs. The partnership is also expected to enhance AgroFresh's research pipeline with additional options for disease management.
Fungal decay continues to be a major issue in the post-harvest supply chain. Once produce is harvested, it becomes vulnerable to fungal pathogens that can spread rapidly under standard storage and transit conditions. Effective and consistent treatment is critical to reducing losses, particularly in international supply chains that prioritize quality and shelf life.
The global market for post-harvest fungicides is valued at approximately $300 million. Biotalys CEO Kevin Helash stated that entering this segment marks a new application of the company's AGROBODY™ platform, which is based on protein-based biocontrols. He added that the goal is to offer alternatives that preserve food quality without relying on chemical residues.
Both companies say the joint effort will focus on integrating biological disease control with established post-harvest practices, aiming to help the produce industry address spoilage and waste with more sustainable approaches.
For more information:
Toon Musschoot
Biotalys
Tel: +32 (0) 9 274 54 00
Email: [email protected]
Christy Toedebusch
AgroFresh
Tel: +1 314 283 5996
Email: [email protected]
www.agrofresh.com