Afresh is using artificial intelligence combined with massive amounts of data to assist human operators in better managing our fresh food supply. It’s using the same kinds of algorithms that power Google’s data centers and AlphaGo to make the fresh food supply chain wildly more efficient.
Traditionally, agtech and foodtech innovations have focused on increasing yield in food production at a lower cost or lower input value, in order to feed a rapidly growing population. However, it is well documented that every year, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food are lost or wasted around the world across the food supply chain.
In order to feed a growing population and build more sustainable food systems, waste reduction may be as important if not more important than yield increases going forward. In our next Deep Dive, we will look to build a better understanding of where and why food waste occurs, and learn about the startups and technologies that are helping us get closer to zero food waste.
Phood provides a solution to commercial food waste via its straightforward, inexpensive waste calculation system, which can measure the exact food items that are being wasted on a day-to-day basis. These metrics provide the power to alter wasteful food purchasing, ineffective food preparation and storage, and create a kitchen operating at max efficiency. Through its simple, easy-to-use software and hardware, the company says that businesses can save over $100,000 per year by reducing 50% of their food waste, as well as increase excess food donations by 35%.
CoverCress is a new oilseed crop grown over winter between normal full season corn and soybeans. It acts like a cover crop while also producing oil and high protein feed that can fit markets similar to canola. CoverCress was developed from pennycress. Native pennycress grain has high levels of erucic, fiber and sinigrin, which are compounds that limit the oil and meal use, but we have developed varieties that have a new composition and make CoverCress a brand new crop for the American Midwest, without the limitations that native pennycress has.
Propagate Ventures works with farmers and land managers to design and install tree-crop systems that work in tandem with existing farm operations. Its fruit, nut, and timber tree-systems complement both row crop and grazing operations, generating new economic returns, building soil health and sequestering carbon.
