“Alternative Energy for the Food Industry” - pcaarrd - Department of ...

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From the Editorial Team
Alternative energy resources for the food industry
The food industry is heavily dependent on energy. The various
energy-related aspects of food processing and packaging, such
as food preparation, sterilization, and refrigeration consume much
energy. The food industry, therefore, is one sector most adversely
affected by the turmoil in the energy market. With this problem, food
manufacturers experienced a dramatic increase in energy cost to the
detriment of the consumers who in most cases have to shoulder
this cost.
To combat rising energy expenses, and as an act of good
citizenship in the corporate world, food manufacturers have to operate
using alternative energy and renewable sources. This will lessen
their operational costs and will make them more credible among
environmental groups, a critical advantage in the highly competitive
food business especially in the global market. Today, energy concern
is no longer viewed as an optional task in business operations. The
use of renewable and alternative sources of energy has become a
primordial concern.
With PCARRD’s main goal of becoming an effective science and
technology leader in the agriculture, forestry and natural resources
sectors, it seeks to assist industries akin to these sectors, most
especially the small and medium enterprises engaged in food
production.
The theme “Alternative Energy Resources for the Food Industry”
seeks to present important technologies on the use of alternative
energy. PCARRD hopes that this issue of the Farmnews will empower
small and medium enterprises in the production of affordable quality
food commodities to the greater benefit of Filipino consumers and
contribute to the government’s goal of attaining food sufficiency.