About this Research Topic
The postharvest phase in horticulture plays a pivotal role in determining the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of food systems worldwide. However, challenges during this phase can lead to significant reductions in product quality and availability, resulting in economic inefficiencies, environmental strain, and social inequities. With over 30% of food production globally being affected annually, addressing postharvest inefficiencies is critical for meeting the growing demand for fresh, nutritious produce while minimizing the impact on natural resources.
The transition to a circular bioeconomy offers a transformative framework for tackling these challenges. By emphasizing the efficient use of biological resources, fostering innovation, and integrating sustainable practices, the circular bioeconomy provides a pathway for reducing waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and creating value-added opportunities throughout the horticultural supply chain. Postharvest processes, from harvesting and storage to transportation and consumption, represent critical intervention points for implementing these principles.
This Research Topic explores the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of postharvest horticulture and the circular bioeconomy, aiming to identify solutions that ensure environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social equity. By focusing on technological innovation, sustainable practices, and value creation, this initiative seeks to contribute to a resilient food system capable of addressing global food security needs.
In the topics:
- Economic, social, and environmental consequences of postharvest
- Impact of postharvest on product quality
- Postharvest practices versus Sustainability
- Technological innovations in product and process development
- Mitigation strategies for postharvest losses in horticulture
The transition to a circular bioeconomy offers a transformative framework for tackling these challenges. By emphasizing the efficient use of biological resources, fostering innovation, and integrating sustainable practices, the circular bioeconomy provides a pathway for reducing waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and creating value-added opportunities throughout the horticultural supply chain. Postharvest processes, from harvesting and storage to transportation and consumption, represent critical intervention points for implementing these principles.
This Research Topic explores the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of postharvest horticulture and the circular bioeconomy, aiming to identify solutions that ensure environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social equity. By focusing on technological innovation, sustainable practices, and value creation, this initiative seeks to contribute to a resilient food system capable of addressing global food security needs.
In the topics:
- Economic, social, and environmental consequences of postharvest
- Impact of postharvest on product quality
- Postharvest practices versus Sustainability
- Technological innovations in product and process development
- Mitigation strategies for postharvest losses in horticulture
Keywords: Horticultural products, Food loss and waste, Postharvest, Perishable products, Environmental and social problems, Technological innovations, Behavioral solutions
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