Space wants feds to find way to use 'ugly produce'

TRENTON — Looks aren’t everything when it comes to fruit and vegetables. Assemblyman Parker Space is calling on the federal government to find ways to utilize the estimated 20 percent of produce wasted because of visual imperfections.
The General Assembly approved Space’s resolution urging the Department of Agriculture to develop and promote alternative ways to use cosmetically imperfect produce.
“It’s one of the sad facts of the produce sector,” said Space. “Shoppers sort through the options, picking out the fruit that looks best, and passing by the ‘bottom of the barrel’ items that may be misshapen or otherwise flawed. That’s why a significant percentage of farm crops won’t make it to retail markets. They don’t meet the standards, but despite the cosmetic flaws, this produce tastes identical and contains all the same nutritional benefits.”
Imperfect produce is still fresh, nutritious and undamaged, but may be misshapen, too large, too small, or have flaws in coloration.
“In Europe and Australia, retailers have found a ready market for ugly produce sold at a discount,” said Space. “This is food that had been destined for a landfill or incinerator, and instead it is providing nutrition for cost-conscious consumers. When we get this program rolling in New Jersey, we’ll have more food, and cheaper food on our tables, and farmers will have greater profits without any more investment or effort. It’s a perfect situation where everybody wins.”
Space noted that the “baby-cut carrots” so popular in lunchboxes today were invented 30 years ago as productive use for full-size carrots that did not meet the visual standard for retail sale.