A new conference is being launched to drive technology advances in horticulture and address the current labour shortage facing the industry.
SmartHort, which will take place for the first time in Stratford-Upon-Avon on 6 and 7 March 2019, is designed to connect innovators with the horticulture industry.
The free event is part of an AHDB campaign to address the challenge of access to affordable seasonal labour in the UK, and the event will showcase commercial businesses and research or service organisations using technological advances to drive change in the industry.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to network with leading figures in horticulture; better understand the challenges facing UK producers; and connect with potential customers during the two-day conference and dinner.
Grace Emeny, AHDB project manager for SmartHort, said: “Guest speakers from around the globe will be sharing some of the most exciting developments in robotics and automation that could play a role in revolutionising the horticulture industry in the future.
“The conference will create an excellent opportunity to connect technology and engineering companies, research organisations and funders with the horticultural industry to help find solutions to the serious challenge UK businesses are facing with the current labour shortage.”
Day one of the conference will focus on labour-saving technologies, including the latest developments in robotics and automation for tasks such as harvesting, packing and crop monitoring.
The second day will bring together the latest innovation in production and growing techniques, including crop protection, product handling and data-driven cropping systems.
AHDB’s chief strategy officer Tom Hind said: “Horticulture has seen cases where there has been a 30 per cent shortfall in seasonal workers this season, putting huge strains on businesses who are reliant on labour to pick fruit, vegetables or flowers in fields and glasshouses.
“While full automation is a long-way off from solving this crisis, in addition to work to improve management practices for existing workforces, we are exploring how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence may help to off-set some of this challenge in the future.”
Exhibitor packages start at £250, with visitors invited to attend free of charge.
Click here to register or email AHDB events manager Jenna Porch at jenna.porch@ahdb.org.uk to find out more about the conference, exhibition space or sponsorship at the vent.
