Editorial

The global food production is affected by biotic and abiotic conditions in the field. Field estimates of production losses is related to the species, level of mechanization, environmental conditions and pressure by pests and diseases. However, post-harvest losses are mainly associated to management issues and use of technologies of fresh preservation or processing. Transformation and processing of agricultural products have increased worldwide, and its consumption is associated with urbanization, globalization of the economy and agricultural production. Business trends in developed countries in America and Europe show how these countries export diverse processed products to different destinations equivalent to billions of dollars. These countries buy raw materials by the tons and sell products per ounce, adding an enormous value to the product. Market competition has promoted aspects of corporate social responsibility that have resulted in adjustments to production processes, reducing water and carbon footprint, and thus attempting to obtain a better position for their products globally.

In Colombia, sugarcane varieties specifically suitable for the production of panela (unrefined whole cane sugar) are developed, which offer higher yields for processing. In sugarcane, the use of production technologies reduces crop losses and improve efficiency of using raw materials, both in the generation of processed products and power generation. In this issue, the journal Corpoica Ciencia y Tecnología Agropecuaria presents research results on an industry that, while is far from large multinational food processing industries, gradually aims to reduce its water and carbon footprint. Panela industry intents to position their products in different markets and compete in small markets but face serious competition, following global trends for reducing the environmental impact and including elements of corporate social responsibility by the incorporation of technologies and research results. In this sense, adopting technologies for sugarcane processing and improving the efficiency of energ y processes for its production are tools that can prove useful when opening new markets. This shows that research can provide solutions and increase the possibilities of opening new markets, including traditional industries such as sugar cane industry in Colombia.

It is desirable to multiply these examples in proportion to the high genetic diversity of the food industry in a mega diverse country such as Colombia. We hope the scientific community will promote the competitiveness and growth of many small industries in Colombia.

Alonso González Mejía
Director Revista
Corpoica Ciencia y Tecnología Agropecuaria