Verdant Technologies says its postharvest shelf-life-extension solution, HarvestHold Fresh, has been approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for use in Canada.
The PMRA registration allows for the application of HarvestHold Fresh on a variety of fruits and vegetables including broccoli, tomatoes and peaches, among others. This marks a significant step toward fresher produce and more sustainable supply chains for growers, retailers and end consumers in Canada, the company said in a news release.
Verdant Technologies says HarvestHold Fresh technology uses a gradual humidity-released formulation of 1-methylcyclopropene to significantly extend the shelf life of fresh produce by up to 50% compared to traditional shipping methods, thus reducing food waste and creating efficiencies throughout the supply chain. The PMRA's evaluation process ensures that HarvestHold Fresh meets Canada's stringent health and environmental standards, offering Canadian growers, packers, and retailers a trusted solution to maintain produce freshness from crop to cart, the company says.
“Our team has worked diligently to ensure that our product meets the high standards set by the Canadian regulatory agency, and we're thrilled to now bring HarvestHold Fresh to the Canadian market,” Verdant Technologies CEO Gordon Robertson said in the release. “The approval from PMRA validates the effectiveness of HarvestHold and aligns with Verdant Technologies' commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural solutions. We're excited about the opportunity this creates for our Canadian partners and the broader agricultural community to benefit from reduced waste and improved produce longevity."