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Refrigeration for transportation and systems logistics |
D. E. LYND, USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Rm. 2649-S, Washington, DC 20090-6456 The marketing system which moves agricultural products from grower to consumer is a complex set of functions operating along rather well defined channels. Perishable products typically move from producers, through packers, to wholesale operators, to retail outlets, and finally to consumers. Pre-cut produce follows a similar path. Transportation is involved between each function, and the whole system must operate with as little delay as possible in order to maintain acceptable freshness and quality. Historically those involved in agricultural education and Federal and State departments of agriculture have focused on improving production methods. However, consumers are demanding an ever increasing variety of products and higher expectation of freshness and quality. The appropriate use of refrigeration and maintaining the cold-chain in every function throughout the marketing system is necessary for maximizing the shelf life of fresh produce and minimizing waste. The USDA is working in collaboration with the University of Georgia to develop models of the fresh produce marketing system. These models will provide the means to simulate delays, over/under ordering and shipment and other conditions which have an impact on refrigeration, facilities design and location, and the resultant effects on system logistics. One objective is to explain the behavior of the marketing system in order to maximize the effectiveness of refrigeration in cold-chain management.
Session 23, Impact of cold-chain management on fresh produce quality and safety
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