AI Revolutionizing Food Supply Chain to Combat Waste
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful weapon in the fight against waste in the food supply chain. An agrifood conference in Perth this week is focused on exploring how AI can be effectively deployed to tackle excess and maintain freshness. One of the keynote speakers, Abi Ramanan, an American food systems entrepreneur, will discuss her innovative use of technology to digitize food supply chains and effectively reduce waste.
Ramanan and her team have harnessed the power of hyperspectral imaging, a technology similar to fingerprint scanning, to combat waste and food fraud. They installed cameras on a conveyor belt within an avocado production line, enabling them to scan the fruit for freshness and ripeness. By analyzing the dry matter within the avocados, they were able to determine the optimal ripening time and identify which fruits would be best suited for longer trips, such as exportation. This approach moves away from traditional sample-based testing, providing comprehensive information about 100% of the food products being processed.
The same technology was also applied in a commercial fish market in Spain, where Ramanan identified instances of red snapper being substituted with lower-quality tilapia. This allowed for greater accuracy in detecting and preventing food fraud, ensuring that consumers receive the quality products they expect.
Despite the immense potential of AI in revolutionizing the food industry, there are challenges to overcome. Integrating AI into the supply chain is a complex task that requires careful consideration of where it can have the most impact. Additionally, funding the implementation of AI technology remains a challenge, with the food industry operating on tight profit margins and limited budgets compared to other sectors.
The evokeAG conference aims to bring together innovators, producers, and investors from the agrifood space to explore the potential of AI-driven innovation. Harriet Mellish, of Agrifutures, emphasizes the importance of hearing from global thought leaders and learning from experiences outside of Australia.
AI offers exciting opportunities to reshape the food systems landscape, especially at the beginning of the supply chain. By harnessing the power of AI and digitizing supply chains, food companies can gain access to crucial information about freshness, ripeness, and tenderness, ultimately reducing waste. However, it is crucial to find viable ways to integrate AI into the industry and secure the necessary funding to ensure its widespread implementation.
As the evokeAG conference kicks off this week, attendees will delve into various topics, including food security, the challenges posed by mining and agriculture, and how producers can measure and mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions. The event provides a platform for the exchange of ideas, insights, and innovations that have the potential to shape the future of the agrifood industry.
In conclusion, AI is emerging as a game-changer in the battle against food waste in the supply chain. By leveraging technologies like hyperspectral imaging, entrepreneurs like Abi Ramanan are revolutionizing how food is monitored for freshness and quality. The evokeAG conference offers an opportunity to explore the possibilities of AI-driven innovation in the agrifood industry and address the challenges of integration and funding. As the industry embraces AI, it has the potential to transform the way we produce, distribute, and consume food, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and efficient future.
