Israeli startup NOF (Natural Offset Farming) has unveiled portable, autonomous cooling units designed to store fruits and vegetables directly in the fields. These units maintain optimal temperatures to protect harvested crops until they are transported.
The concept draws inspiration from 20th-century ice cream carts that used dry ice (solid CO2) to keep contents cool without power. NOF modernized this idea with advanced technology, creating portable cold storage units that rely on inexpensive liquid CO2 for cooling.
According to Yoni Ben Zaken, NOF's VP of Business Development, spoilage is a major issue for farmers. "Imagine a farmer investing heavily in growing a crop, only to lose 30-50% of it due to supply chain delays," he explains.
The units are easy to transport and can be set up where needed. Temperatures can be controlled remotely, ensuring the right storage conditions for days. Unlike the old dry ice boxes, NOF's units use liquid CO2, which is more affordable and reliable.
While Israel has relatively efficient field-to-storage logistics, countries like India face significant challenges. A 2022 report by India's Ministry of Food Processing Industries revealed post-harvest losses of 6-15% for fruits, and 5-12% for vegetables. With such losses on a massive scale, NOF sees India as a key market.
NOF plans to expand operations to Mexico, another country with significant agricultural output and logistical challenges.
Source: www.newsru.co.il