Rural Development Administration's Developed Pallet MA Technology First Nationwide Pilot Distribution for Grapes
Oxygen Concentration Adjustment -> Mold Growth Suppression -> Freshness Maintenance of Agricultural Products
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Gyeongsan City in Gyeongbuk announced on the 13th that it is the first in the nation to pilot the distribution of the pallet MA (gas control) storage technology developed by the Rural Development Administration for grape storage within the region.
The pallet MA (gas control) storage technology was recently applied on a trial basis to Shine Muscat grapes, which have become wildly popular among consumers, at two locations: Gyeongsan Grape Agricultural Cooperative Corporation and Jain Nonghyup Grape Joint Shipping Association on the 12th.
The pallet MA storage method for extending the shelf life of agricultural products is a technology that prolongs the storage period of agricultural products packaged in pallet units. By controlling the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide, it slows the respiration rate and suppresses the growth of gray mold, thereby maintaining the freshness of agricultural products.
The distributed items include MA packaging machines (pallet wrapping machines), gas sensors, gas containers (high-purity nitrogen gas), and nylon film. The top and bottom surfaces of the pallets storing agricultural products are wrapped with PA (polyamide) and PLA (polylactic acid), and the sides are wrapped using a commercial wrapping machine.
Based on research results from the Rural Development Administration on export strawberries, tomatoes, and winter cabbage, this technology has been applied for the first time domestically to grapes (fruit trees) on a trial basis. Gyeongsan City expects this to enhance the international competitiveness of export agricultural products by maintaining freshness and extending storage periods, thereby contributing to increased farm income.
Kim Dae-jong, Director of the Gyeongsan Agricultural Technology Center, expressed high expectations, saying, "By simple small-scale packaging followed by gas concentration control, the storage period can be extended, which will help improve farmers' income. Extending the storage period will also allow us to expand the export destinations for agricultural products."
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