The HarvestWatch system was developed by researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in partnership with Satlantic Inc. The system refers to a method and apparatus for monitoring produce and controlling environmental conditions in which fruit, vegetable and plants can be stored over prolonged periods of time.

To prolong the storage period the natural aging of produce is reduced by lowering the temperature and oxygen levels of the environment in which they are stored and by allowing the carbon dioxide level to increase. However, damage resulting from incorrect environmental storage conditions reduces the quality and market potential of the produce.

Traditionally environmental conditions are set conservatively to provide a margin of error in order to prevent damage. The HarvestWatch system however precisely monitors the actual needs of the produce allowing for environmental adjustments which will maximize produce quality in order to meet the needs of retailers.

The HarvestWatch system uses the natural fluorescent properties of chlorophyll in the plant material and a low power light source to determine how environmental conditions should be adjusted based on predetermined parameters. The system is easy to install and operate and results in better tasting, fresher looking produce.

• Monitoring produce health in a controlled atmosphere environment.

• Research to determine optimal environmental parameters for stored produce.

The HarvestWatch system is currently licensed, covering select countries outside North America.

The HarvestWatch system is fully developed and available for licensing in North America only (USA, Canada, Mexico).