Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 13.1
Scientists at the
United States Department
of Agriculture, Agricultural
Research Service developed a
process (going from front to
back in the photo) by which
chicken feathers are shred-
ded, powdered, converted to
pellets, and then transformed
into biodegradable plastics.
Photograph is used with
the kind permission of the
USDA-ARS
abolished throughout the country. It is likely that this change will open up markets
to multiple retailers thereby resulting in greater efficiencies as seen in other parts
of the globe.
Needs for Research and Implementation of Logistics and Supply
Chain Management.
There are three critical research needs for improving postharvest handling in the
developing world: development of inexpensive, sustainable packaging, food safety
strategies that work when water supply is scarce, and affordable strategies for cold
storage and cool transport. Regarding packaging, there is a need for inexpensive but
sturdy crates or boxes (Kitinoja et al.
2012
). Returnable Plastic Containers (RPCs)
are a possible option, but are expensive, subject to theft, and generally not produced
locally. The benefits of a reusable packaging system may outweigh however, the
challenges to its effective implementation (Manalili et al.
2011
). Perhaps a package
could be developed from locally available, natural materials. Chicken feathers have
been suggested as one possible material that might be feasible (Fig.
13.1
). Plastic
bags are very useful to reduce moisture loss of harvested produce, but their use for
