This invention relates to a membrane and method for the preservation of agricultural produce such as fruit. The membrane comprises first and second outer polymeric layers, at least one of the outer polymeric layers being impregnated with a hydrophilic agent, and an inner layer in between the outer layers. The inner layer comprises a polymer impregnated with a carrier for incorporation of an antimicrobial volatile into the inner layer, and an absorptive agent. The method comprises: impregnating a first polymeric material with a hydrophilic agent to form a first mixture impregnating a second polymeric material with a carrier, an absorptive agent and an antimicrobial volatile to form a second mixture introducing the mixtures into a film blower extruding a three layered membrane from the film blower and placing the membrane proximate to the produce. The arrangement is such that moisture released from the produce due to respiration passes through the hydrophilic material toward the inner layer and is absorbed by the absorptive agent, increasing its temperature to activate the release of the antimicrobial volatile, thus preserving the produce.
