In short, it is a handheld “spectrometer” to measure the nutrient density in food and crops, as well as carbon in the soil. It was made possible t

The Bionutrient Meter — Bionutrient Food Association - Nutrient Density From the Ground Up

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2023-03-18 22:30:03

In short, it is a handheld “spectrometer” to measure the nutrient density in food and crops, as well as carbon in the soil. It was made possible through the Bionutrient Institute lab in Michigan. Spectroscopy is a well-developed technology that can discern the makeup of materials using a noninvasive flash of light.

Since 2018, we’ve been gathering thousands of soil, food and crop samples through our Grower Partner and Citizen Science programs to calibrate the latest version of the meter. These samples are critical to calibrate the meter to offer readings or “estimates” of the nutrient density values. The meter is only one part of the overall BFA strategy that also includes an open-source data platform - owned by no corporate entity or individual, but instead, data that remains in the “commons” for access to all.

We are currently working with Near Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence, and Raman Spectroscopy meters to develop our data sets, algorithms, and predictive metrics. Our objective is to have a relatively inexpensive (eventually, around $100) handheld device that a consumer can use to test crops before purchase. We suggest that if this level of empiricism is introduced to the marketplace, then the economic drivers governing crop production could be dramatically shifted. The ability to tell quality in the store will give retailers an incentive to demand quality from their suppliers, which will govern incentives for growers.

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