Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage as it is currently known and utilized is a 20th century innovation, but the fundamentals of how it functions stem from research conducted as early as the early 1800s. Best suited for fruits and vegetables that are climacteric – referring to produce that suitably ripens after being picked due to its emission of ethylene gas – CA storage greatly extends the freshness of a season’s harvest. Maximizing sales and limiting spoilage, CA storage practices enable growers to best participate in global supply chain markets. How can refined post-harvest insights further boost the benefits of investing in high cost storage infrastructure?