The Controlled Storage and Postharvest Systems (CSPS)

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The Controlled Storage and Postharvest Systems (CSPS) capability helps agri-tech businesses prove, refine and scale postharvest and supply chain innovations through access to specialist facilities at the James Hutton Institute (Dundee), the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Greenwich, and ADAS (Boxworth), alongside Cranfield University expertise.

Designed around the needs of innovators, the network provides controlled, commercial-scale environments where technologies can be tested, validated and demonstrated under real-world storage and supply chain conditions. Facilities offer precise monitoring and control of temperature, humidity and atmospheric composition, helping businesses generate evidence, de-risk adoption and accelerate commercialisation.

The capability supports agri-tech businesses developing solutions in areas including:

  • Crop monitoring, sensing and predictive storage modelling
  • Energy-efficient storage and supply chain optimisation
  • Automation and labour-saving technologies
  • Potato sprout suppressant technologies
  • Sustainable packaging materials and systems

The CSPS network is available for collaborative R&D, technology validation and commercial demonstration projects, helping innovators bring scalable solutions to market that reduce waste, extend shelf-life and strengthen food supply chain resilience.

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Projects

Project
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Smarter Forecasting, Communication and Management of Frost Risk in Vineyards (FROST)

What is the FROST project? Spring frost is a significant threat to UK vineyards from mid-March to May, when freezing temperatures can damage cells in...

Project
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Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality

This project explores the role drone technology can play in improving yield, fruit quality and forecasting in UK strawberry production....