A&F

(Agrotechnology & Food Innovations :: Netherlands :: Research Partner)

Web site: www.agrotechnologyandfood.wur.nl

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Description

Agrotechnology & Food Innovations is the result of the merger between IMAG, Institute of Environmental and Agritechnique, and ATO, Institute of Agrotechnological Research.

Agrotechnology & Food Innovations covers the whole production chain: from optimising growing techniques via sustainable development and quality improvement to consumer product perception. Our expertise in all separate links of the production and sale chains enables us to realise -together with our clients- creative and innovative solutions based on scientific insights and technological know-how.

Production chains and networks

The agrofood business is a complex one. A fresh product is handled many times on it's way from the farm to consumer's table. It is packed, stored, shipped and /or carried by train or lorry from farmer to retailer. Together with agrofood businesses and government, we develop and implement new concepts and technologies for those agroproduction chains. Our aim is to obtain quality improvement of products in the chain and an optimal performance of the chain as a whole. We integrate knowledge about fresh products, new technologies and control systems, thus creating solutions for all links of the production chain. For example, we develop new packaging concepts, tracking and tracing systems and information systems for improved (management) decisions.

Renewable Resources

The chemical industry is always looking for better and/or cheaper products. Moreover, in recent years the type of raw material used in production has become an issue. Renewable resources (animal or vegetable) offer many opportunities for developing biobased products and materials with new properties. In this area, we focus on product and material development, besides developing or improving processes and production. Our strong point is the combination of traditional organic chemistry with biotechnology, coupled to material and polymer technology.

Agrisystems

The agrisystem is currently under pressure. On the one hand, the primary sector needs to reduce its environmental burden and improve the well-being of animals and people during production and harvest. On the other hand, the efficiency of production and the quality of the product must improve to ensure profit in the future. We are developing new agricultural technologies and methods in the field of agrisystems. Our research aims at reducing the environmental damage caused by agriculture, improving the financial position of the sector and making production methods safer. Moreover, this new knowledge is being used to develop production methods for farmers, horticulturalists and their suppliers that are cheaper and improve quality. Key words are automation and robotisation.

Food quality

Consumer wishes concerning food are continuously changing. Hence, innovation is a key issue for the food and beverage industry. Quality is a central issue. Our research in this field begins with an understanding of the ever-changing consumer demand and sensory preferences. We translate this knowledge into product development and design. The next step is selection, isolation and formulation of the functional ingredients. And finally we look closely at maintaining functionality in the (end) product by means of mild and safe process-technological systems.

Research personnel