Event in Cambridge will cover how data and AI can be used to boost fruit yields, reduce input costs, and forecast crops

Outfield co-founders Jim McDougall and Oli Hilbourne are among the speakers

Jim McDougall (left) and Oli Hilbourne are the co-founders of Outfield, which is involved in the event

The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers is hosting a technical conference in February exploring the use of data in the fruit industry.

The event takes place on Thursday 13 February at Robinson College at the University of Cambridge.

It costs £85 per person (incl VAT) to attend, including a buffet lunch. Registration opens at 10am and the conference finishes at 4pm.

Discussion topics will include:

  • Data, AI and how they can be used to effectively to predict and maximise yields, as well as reducing input costs
  • Data management and AI
  • Crop forecasting
  • Predicting orchard health
  • Research on robotics and data acquisition with fruit

The event will be chaired by Sarah Calcutt, who is CEO of City Harvest as well as chair of the Fruiterers Awards Council.

Guests can expect speakers from the University of Lincoln, the University of Essex, Outfield, Ceres, Farm Data Principles, and Driscoll’s.

Event organisers said: “The conference is for crop managers and those involved in research but should also be of interest to those interested in hearing how AI and related technology is increasingly being used in the fruit industry.”

Registration closes on 30 January. Members of the Fruiterers can book their place through the members’ website, while non-members should contact Fruiterers clerk Sarah Murnane at clerk@fruiterers.org.uk.

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