Can Modern Agricultural Technology Overcome the Biggest Challenges in Farm Shipping and Packaging?

With a little more tweaking, we could make orange juice in the orange without any packaging or processing, says Homaro Cantu??

The oldest and the largest industry that the world has is Agriculture, no doubt we cannot survive without it! According to World wild life, it Employs more than 1 billion people and generates more than $1.3 trillion worth of food every year.

World Bank’s recent findings state that the human population is expected to reach a peak of 10 billion by 2050, thus, it has become more important than ever to boost food production and distribute it efficiently!

Farmers are the ones under the most pressure owing to this pressing challenge. Although we are producing more food, we are also facing increased shipping and packaging issues.

AgTech has emerged as a savior for farmers, helping them manage their processes efficiently.?78% of farmers?are now using AgTech to maximize their processes.?

The U.S. leads by contributing to 20.8% of the global agricultural packaging market which is expected to reach 22.5% by 2023, due to the latest advancements in sustainable packaging and shipping solutions.

Regardless of these amazing innovations, farmers are still trying to overcome massive challenges in packaging and shipping.??

The Biggest Challenges in Farm Shipping and Packaging??

Farm shipping and packaging is a wide aspect of food production, the highest quality food is nothing but waste if it does not make it from the farm to fork safely and quickly!

Lack of Data Integration

Currently, the global agricultural industry is generating more data than ever before, but integrating it in a way that is useful in packaging and shipping processes is a challenge.

The global AI and big data market in the food industry was worth $6.86 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to touch $269.92 billion by 2032. But the dilemma is that our farmers do not have the right tools to use this data effectively.??

Labor Shortages?

The food and drink manufacturing sector lost a huge ￡1 billion in output because of labor shortages in 2023.

Global food production is anticipated to increase by 19% in the next five years, thus, the food processing plants must increase their capacity, but labor shortages are making that difficult.??

Supply Chain Disruptions??

Supply chain issues are another trouble for farmers. In 2021 alone, there were 11,642 supply chain disruptions worldwide. From transport delays, and fuel costs, to logistical roadblocks, these challenges are a danger to farm profitability.??

Cold Chain Breakdowns?

Perishable farm products require precise and consistent temperature control during transportation. Breakdowns in the cold chain can translate into food spoilage, financial losses, and supply gaps. Thus proper monitoring is a must.??

Packaging Waste?

Along with the waste produced on our planet, packaging waste is a major concern.

According to research by Our World in Data, in the U.S., it contributes to 37% of all plastic waste, in Europe, 38%, and in China, it’s 45%. Farmers direly need sustainable, cost-effective solutions that meet regulations.

Regulatory Compliance???

It is a must for farmers to adhere to the strict USDA and FSA regulations to guarantee that their food is at par with the quality and safety standards. However, these regulations change often, making compliance a continuous struggle.??

Market Volatility??

The agriculture market is intense with shifting patterns and demand. Thus, prices of farm produce fluctuate a lot due to imbalances in supply and demand, trade policies, and economic issues.

This high unpredictability adversely affects the profits of our farmers and their operational decisions.??

Product Damage & Losses??

Sadly almost 1.3 billion tons of food, which is one-third of all food produced is wasted each year, costing the global economy a huge backthrust of? $940 billion. Amongst this food fruits, vegetables, and bread are at the top.

Poor packaging and shipping processes are at the back of this problem.??

? of all food produced is lost or wasted – that's around 1.3 billion tonnes of food – costing the global economy close to $940 billion each year.

The 3 most wasted food items on a consumer level are fruits, vegetables, and breads.

Technology Gaps?

Regardless of all the modernization, not all farmers have access to the tools for tracking shipments, managing inventory, and maintaining product quality.??

Consumer Expectations??

Consumers these days are well aware and highly conscious about the food choices that they make, thus they demand transparency and sustainability.

They want to know where their food is sourced from, how it was grown, and whether it was handled responsibly. Farmers must meet their expectations and also manage costs and logistics at the same time.??

How Farmers Can Improve Shipping and Packaging with AgTech??

AgTech has solved many of the problems that the modern-day food producer is faced with, let us see how.?

Automated Inventory and Storage Management?

By utilizing inventory solutions provided by AgTech, farmers can track storage levels in real-time, cutting waste and benefitting from better stock management. Automated systems eliminate manual errors and optimize packaging processes.??

Shipping & Logistics Management??

Efficient logistics can successfully eradicate transport delays and cut costs. With the help of advanced tracking tools, farmers can keep track of shipments, predict possible delays, and deduce the fastest and most cost-effective routes.??

Packaging Management?

AgTech facilitates smarter and more sustainable packaging. From using biodegradable materials to smart sensors that track produce freshness, modern technology empowers farmers to meet regulatory and environmental laws, head-on.??

Data-Driven Decision Making??

To avoid shortages or overstocking, farmers can utilize integrated analytics to track inventory changes, improve packaging, and adjust storage conditions in real time.???

Customer Service Features??

Farm businesses can improve communication with distributors and customers by implementing automated notifications and order tracking, which can reduce delays and misunderstandings.??

Label Room Management?

Automating label printing and barcode generation helps you steer clear of mislabeling, which is a root cause of shipping mistakes. It assures that packaging meets compliance requirements.??

Pack Management?

By using smart packaging solutions, farmers can track packaging costs, cut waste, and boost efficiency. This leads to better product protection and a minimal environmental footprint.??

Load Management?

AgTech solutions are designed to help farmers optimize truckloads, warranting that each shipment is packed in a way that minimizes costs and chances of spoilage.??

Live Production Performance?

Farmers can monitor real-time packing and shipping, spot bottlenecks early, and make swift improvements. This means fewer delays, better resource usage, and a bottom line.??

Optimize Your Farm Shipping and Packing with Our Management Solutions??

A famous name in the world of modern Agtech, AgriERP is helping farmers improve their packaging and shipping with the help of automation, real-time tracking, and integrated compliance tools.

By using the inventory and logistics solutions of AgriERP , farmers can minimize waste, and boost efficiency, and product traceability, while simultaneously fulfilling regulatory requirements.??

With the latest AI-driven insights and data-led decision-making, AgriERP is a great help to farms of all sizes in refining their shipping and packaging.??

What is Your Biggest Challenge in Farm Shipping and Packaging???

Are you struggling with food packaging? Or Juggling supply chain issues? If that is so, then let us talk more, and share with us your experiences in the comments below.??

Also, do not forget to subscribe to our interesting weekly newsletter for the latest tips on improving farm efficiency with AgTech!??