Fresh Produce Technology
Technology drives growth and efficiency in the fresh produce industry by optimizing the entire supply chain. Robotics and autonomous harvesters help growers overcome labor shortages, while digital tools and IoT sensors enhance food safety through real-time traceability. AI-driven analytics extend shelf life and minimize waste by maintaining optimal environments for perishable goods. Explore how these innovations are transforming the fresh produce industry for a more sustainable future.
As fertilizer prices climb and supplies tighten during geopolitical turmoil, Hylio’s Arthur Erickson says precision drone technology is helping farmers cut input costs while protecting yields.
An Iowa State University team has developed an AI companion that uses a database of over 31 million images and conversational technology to provide farmers with real-time identification and expert management advice for insects and weeds.
As H-2A costs climb toward $30 an hour, Western Growers’ Walt Duflock warns that half of California’s farmers could disappear by 2052 without a revolution in harvest tech.
As growers look to technology to augment labor needs, those working in the ag tech space say there will be an even greater relationship between workers and technology.
The senior vice president of innovation with Western Growers shares the unique role the organization plays in advancing ag tech by connecting startups with growers as well as his vision for a highly automated, sustainable and water-efficient “farm of the future.”
Its new Amiga lineup features integration with Bonsai Intelligence, low-clearance vehicles and off-road capabilities.
The Goleta, Calif.-based food technology company says it has filed a lawsuit against Robyn Openshaw and her company for “waging a years’ long disinformation campaign intended to harm Apeel’s business and reputation.”
While the companies have partnered since 2022, this acquisition will fully integrate GUSS into the John Deere portfolio, while keeping the GUSS brand intact.
With this partnership, John Deere will have access to early-stage startups, co-developed research and development programs and more through The Reservoir.
Participants at a recent webinar hosted by the Science Societies warned that grant funding cuts and force reductions at USDA results in uncertainty, lost research and lost opportunities for young scientists. The future of independent research is potentially at risk too.
Fifth-generation grower Bill Kercher says his family added a “Robot-Weeded” label to showcase his family’s regenerative ag practices and says the reception has been very warm.
This 10-year collaboration seeks to leverage TELUS’ agricultural database and analytics to digitize compliance and traceability.
Icafolin-methyl represents the first new weed-killing chemistry in more than 30 years.
Bonsai Robotics’ Teletrace helps connect all farm equipment, provides growers with data to better monitor and manage mixed fleets.
Recognized as a 2025 Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation, Linda Kinkel, founder of Jord BioScience, with decades of research into microbiomes and disease-suppressive soils, shapes the future of sustainable produce production through targeted microbial innovation.
Best known for its Vulcan next-generation, intra-row weeder and precision cultivator, FarmWise announced plans last month to “wind down” operations by April 1 due to lack of funding.
Designed to work with John Deere 6R and 8R series tractors, the remotely monitored Carbon AutoTractor offers around-the-clock production.
The Salinas, Calif.-based AI and computer vision weeding technology company is restructuring its business, CEO Tjarko Leifer told The Packer on March 14.
MIT scientists have developed robotic insects that could aid farming through artificial pollination.
The purple tomato is heading to market.
The USDA recently reviewed soybean, tomato, and potato plants modified using genetic engineering to determine whether they presented an increased plant pest risk compared to similar cultivated plants.
The second annual Western Growers Specialty Crop Automation Report reveals a 25% increase in average year-over-year agtech investment.
Carbon Robotics plans to use new funding to expand sales regions for its weed control platform, as well as scale manufacturing, develop new software and hardware products, and launch into international markets.
Satellite imagery alongside ground measurements will be analyzed using the Agmatix platform to inform sustainable on-farm decisions.
Norway-based crop nutrition company Yara and the Syngenta Group have entered into a partnership with agtech startup Varda, which was founded by Yara.
NASA’s Plant Habitat scientists are growing space gardens with fresh vegetable favorites to supplement astronaut diets and help them endure long-duration space travel to the moon, Mars and beyond.
In what could be the first move of its kind for a massive retailer, Walmart is investing in an indoor vertical leafy greens grower: Plenty Unlimited Inc., based in South San Francisco.
Bayer has announced the company has closed its previously announced transaction with Ginkgo Bioworks to begin a multiyear strategic partnership to accelerate research and development of ag biological products.