A growing global population projected to reach 9 billion in 2050;
THE
OPPORTUNITY
Globally, Agri-Food is a $7.8 trillion industry, employing well over 40% of the world’s population.
The Agri-Food supply chain is largely inefficient with an increasing number of demands and constraints being placed on it, making the need for Agri-Food technology and innovation ever more important. Agri-Food market demands include:
A growing global population projected to reach 9 billion in 2050;
Impacts of climate change;
Changing consumer demands including increased demand for protein in emerging markets and less processed food in the western world;
Limited natural resources, particularly land and water;
Food waste: of food that’s grown is wasted and food waste account for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions.
At every stage of the production and supply chain. FAO and the ERS estimates that 30% of the total available food supply at the retail and consumer level went uneaten.
Deployment of IT and AI solutions are critical to minimize food losses through the introduction of monitoring and sustainable practices at every stage of food viability to maximize value and impact.
THE
SOLUTION
CREATION OF AN ECOSYSTEM
To develop an integrated Agri-Food Innovation Center devoted to the creation of smart technology-driven sustainable solutions for the sector and community
WHY
PHOENIX
Phoenix is the 5th largest populous city in the US after NY, LA, Chicago and Houston and the fastest growing in the country.
There is no Wholesale Produce Market in the entire five state Mega-region . As Phoenix metropolitan area continues to grow, the demand for fresh produce will increase dramatically.
COMMUNITY
BENEFITS
Transformation of a Food Desert into a vibrant Food Eco-system
in food distribution, logistics, and urban farming
for local producers
for producers and consumers
to fresh fruits and vegetables
of nutrition and food industry educational programs
and park facilities
opportunities
Creation of a community
Inclusive engagement
Follow this link:
Del Rio Redevelopment – Arizona Fresh: Agri-food Innovation Center