Technology news from Fresh Produce Journal
Technology news stories with a direct relevance to the UK fresh produce business, including updates on production and harvesting systems, sorting and grading machinery, packaging, coldstorage and controlled atmosphere, digital management, robots and automation, vertical farming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Saga Robotics’ Thorvald Platform named on Time’s Best Inventions list
Autonomous farming robot is recognised for its role in transforming agriculture by replacing chemical fungicide treatments with light
New agri-food robotics hub launched at University of Lincoln
HARVEST hub at university’s Riseholme Park Campus will provide access to testbeds for robotics in arable, fruit and vegetable farming, including £1mn Acceleration Fund
NFU and retailers call for budget to boost food security
National Farmers’ Union says UK tax reform needed to incentivise investment in critical infrastructure
Source.ag acquires UK AI startup Optimal
Dutch AI firm Source.ag has purchased Optimal, “closing the loop” on autonomous greenhouse control
Antobot unveils new UV-C robot model
UK agri-tech company debuts new UV-C model for powdery mildew in strawberries at Fruit Attraction, as the company targets 300-unit global deployment by 2027
Tesco’s Agri-tech Challenge spurs calls for investment
Farmers increasingly call for agri-tech innovation funding and subsidised trials, as Tesco announce Swiss company AgroSustain as a winner of its Agri-tech challenge
Aldi’s Bardon DC begins fresh produce operations at scale
UK’s biggest automated warehouse begins first fruit and veg deliveries, as retailer pushes ahead with £1.6bn investment
S&A Produce benefits from investment in water resilience
Berry supplier S&A Produce sees investments in water recycling and storage as crucial for surviving the UK’s drier summers
ProFresh helps Albion Fine Foods boost efficiency
Balloon One’s ProFresh platform has enabled the UK foodservice supplier to speed up picking and packing and reduce waste to increase revenue
Turkey’s Aksun welcomes improved conditions
After last year’s especially challenging weather in Turkey, producers feel fortunate at the lack of hail and heavy rain – but big challenges remain
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Hear from the experts at Fruitnet Tomato Congress
A sterling speaker line-up has been announced for leading tomato event Fruitnet Tomato Congress, which takes place in Granada, Spain, on 5-6 November
Berry Business Week: New collaboration brings global berry industry together
In March 2027, Fruitnet Berry Congress, Planasa, and Fall Creek will align their international berry business events for first time
Zespri funds research into natural defence against kiwifruit disease
As chemicals lose effectiveness against PsaV, which threatens kiwifruit around the world, scientists aim to find a more natural solution
Belgian greenhouse growers highlight benefits of technology
Veg growers are showing how technologies can help boost sustainability, including cutting waste and fossil fuel use
Whatever happened to those vertical strawberry farms?
Netherlands-based group Smartkas outlines plan to launch new venture and investment vehicle after protracted legal battle
Elsoms joins British Growers Partnership Scheme
British Growers believes Elsoms’ extensive knowledge and experience in vegetable breeding and seed innovation will be of great benefit to its grower members
GAIN-RT uses AI to accelerate potato variety development
A new international research initiative aims to speed up the delivery of improved potato varieties to farmers facing climate and pest and disease pressure
Langmead Herbs sets example for water security
West Sussex herb producer has maintained water supplies and even sold surplus to local producers thanks to extensive reservoir network and water recycling
Government must simplify reservoir rules, says CAAV
Planning regulations remains significant barrier, say association, despite £15mn water investment
Genetic alteration may help tomatoes grow in the cold
Researchers have identified a genetic system that synchronises flower development and fruit formation in tomatoes, with hopes for varieties that can withstand extreme temperatures