Mobile Aseptic Food Processing Facility Aims to Combat Food Loss and Boost Economic Resilience

A groundbreaking solution to address the global issue of food loss and insecurity has been developed through a collaboration between NC State University and Future 50. The innovative Mobile Aseptic Food Processing Facility offers an industry-leading on-farm approach to food processing, bringing significant economic and environmental benefits while contributing to a sustainable and resilient food system.

The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted annually, with approximately 14% of that loss occurring before reaching retail markets. In North Carolina alone, Feeding America estimates 117 million pounds of produce go unharvested each year due to issues such as aesthetic standards and lack of consumer demand at fresh market, despite the fact that most of it is perfectly edible and nutritious.

In response to this challenge, the Mobile Aseptic Food Processing Facility seeks to revolutionize food production systems by enabling local, on-site processing of surplus crops. Designed for durability and mobility, the fully contained facility can be deployed directly on farms to process fruits and vegetables into a value-added product, when that same volume would otherwise be deemed waste. Through rapid, energy-efficient sterilization methods, aseptic food processing preserves the nutritional value of food while extending its shelf life. The aseptic system enables farmers to process crops into value-added products such as purées, juices and preserves—products that can be stored without refrigeration for up to two years.

“This mobile processing technology can reduce food loss at the source, offering a new way to enhance economic stability for local farmers and help combat hunger and malnutrition,” said Marvin Moncada, assistant professor at NC State University. “Fully converting the unrealized potential of value-added farm crops can have a significant impact on farm productivity.”  

The design of the mobile facility was a vision of Moncada and colleagues, building on more than 15 years of field-tested design, industry collaboration and technical demonstration. Through a technology transfer agreement, NC State University is partnering with Future 50 to execute the construction and deployment of each unit. They are currently under contract for five units to be outfitted in Africa. Moncada’s team will provide the food safety and quality assurance training to the staff that will operate the aseptic food processing equipment. Additional workshops will focus on the potential for producers to expand their business portfolio to include “food entrepreneur” with the addition of a value-added product line.