Hazel Tech reaches $1.5M in USDA funding with new innovation grant

Hazel Technologies, Inc. a developer of new USDA-funded technologies to protect produce quality, announces new USDA funding for their organic anti-fungal pad technology, Hazel Endure.

The award will support large scale testing of the technology under both academic and commercial supply chain conditions for the table grape, berry, citrus, and tropical categories.
 
Since the company’s founding in 2015, Hazel Tech has received five USDA grants to continue the development of its suite of technologies, totaling $1.5M. In order to obtain each grant, it is required to pass a technical review from a USDA science panel as well as receive endorsement letters from customers. The most recent grant has already helped launch the start of academic trials of Hazel Endure on organic table grapes at UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center.
 
Over the last few decades, the United States has seen the consumption of fruits and vegetables increase by more than 30%. With the rising demand for fresh produce comes an increase in food waste. It is estimated at least 20% of all fruits and vegetables produced is lost each year due to microbiological spoilage like rot, fungus, and bacteria.
 
Hazel Endure is an anti-fungal solution that combats spoilage and reduces fungal infection up to 40% in certain key commodities. Hazel Endure aims to help growers, packers, shippers, and retailers protect their produce during cold chain breaks, shipping delays, or weather events which can adversely affect fruit quality. Hazel’s technology plans to meet the needs of both the organic and conventional markets. The Endure product line is designed to meet NOP regulations and is currently seeking OMRI certification.
 
“At Hazel, we take pride in expanding and enhancing our suite of technologies. Our team has dedicated a team of researchers and postharvest scientists to develop Hazel Endure’s formula over the last two years to ensure the technology is effective and reliable for our customers,” commented Adam Preslar, co-founder and CTO of Hazel Technologies, Inc. “With the backing of the USDA, we are able to truly test the technology with the help of academic professionals at UC Davis and plan on partnering with other academic centers in 2022 to advance our trials.“