Storing agricultural products with conventional storage is full of uncertainties and dangers. So says Henk Tebben, storage specialist at Equans Refrigeration. "Only entrepreneurs who dare to think and act differently have the future."
Tebben regularly hears this in conversations with agricultural entrepreneurs about storage methods and business results. "We've always done it that way, so it must be good." According to the storage specialist, it is not surprising that entrepreneurs hide behind that point of view. "Switching to a different storage method is exciting. As a grower you have to think about something that you haven't had to think about for years. And whether or not you have to adapt the business completely. But the question is what are the reasons for stick to that motto. Actually, there are only disadvantages to conventional preservation methods, only they are not recognized as such."
Unfavorable conditions
Tebben looks back on the past season, in which unfavorable outside air conditions played a role during storage. "During the growing period we had a lot of sun, but far too little water. When it got cold, we prepared for storage, until the temperature suddenly shot up. At the time of storage, we could not store because it was raining. In short, the conditions were anything but predictable or favorable."
As a result of the changing weather conditions, he regularly encounters potatoes in old-fashioned storage sheds that still contain too much energy. "With conventional storage, that energy doesn't go out. So what does that potato do? It continues to grow, germinate. And in the end it can no longer be kept dormant for an optimal storage result. That's why growers start treating the product again with all kinds of agents, because they are used to that. The downside is that it costs far too much money and in the long term may not be allowed at all."
No longer effective
It is not surprising to Tebben that more and more entrepreneurs are open to thinking and acting differently. "Farmers see that the quality of their products is deteriorating due to these fluctuating storage conditions, feel the huge price increases in energy and gas, and are facing high costs for pesticides. There is an increasing realization that the conventional way of storage is no longer as effective At the same time, they also have to deal with external incentives, because the government and buyers are making it increasingly difficult for them, such as with more limited options for protecting crops.2emissions. And with the energy-saving obligation."
Think along
Because continuing as before puts the survival of companies at risk, Tebben thinks along with entrepreneurs about new, sustainable storage solutions that give them full control over the drying and storage process, regardless of the season. These mechanical storage rooms can also be used multifunctionally. Entrepreneurs can store different products in it and move with the demand from the market.
Tebben: "There are different storage systems for short, medium and long storage, all sustainable and energy efficient. As a result, the aforementioned disadvantages become advantages again and it is now possible to do what was not possible before: allowing products to dry without causing damage and without the addition of external heat. Create peace and keep the product good until summer. Even if it comes from the land too cold or too wet. Everyone benefits from sustainable climate rooms. In fact, they are becoming the new normal. The new 'we always keep it this way'."
Smarter and more sustainable storage with significantly higher yields?
Read what Equans can do for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector or contact Henk Tebben of Equans Refrigeration.