In the realm of greenhouse agriculture, where the delicate balance of plant care meets the demands of market freshness, the role of technology has never been more pivotal.
For growers at Village Farms Fresh, like Arie van der Giessen, VP & facility manager in Texas, the integration of AI-driven solutions has ushered in a new era of efficiency and quality. "AI is our friend because it is doing what we are training it to do and it keeps improving. Blue Radix makes life easier so we can focus on the many other important aspects of greenhouse growing," says van der Giessen. Traditionally, greenhouse growers are monitoring plant needs around the clock. This vigilance underscores the crucial intersection of 'green thumb' know-how and cutting-edge automation in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
Van der Giessen and Laurens van der Spek, COO & co-founder, Blue Radix at GreenTech 2024.
At a recent panel discussion featuring Blue Radix, one of the frontrunners in autonomous climate and irrigation control, the spotlight was on how AI innovations are transforming the agricultural landscape. Blue Radix, recognized with the innovation award at GreenTech in Amsterdam, exemplifies the strides made in autonomous growing technologies for greenhouses. These advancements elevate the quality of produce and improve the well-being of growers. "Autonomous growing with Crop Controller is a win-win for team and company," says Ronald Hoek, CEO of Blue Radix. "Besides the financial and sustainable benefits for the companies, customers tell us they have more peace of mind. They can improve their work-life balance as no check in the evenings or weekends are necessary. "
The advent of AI in agriculture signifies more than just operational efficiency; it signifies a paradigm shift in work dynamics. By delegating routine monitoring and control tasks to AI systems, growers are liberated to engage more deeply in strategic endeavors such as crop planning and experimentation.
Village Farms Fresh views technology not merely as a tool for growth but as a cornerstone of sustainable practices. By investing in AI-driven solutions, the company enhances the quality of its offerings and underscores its commitment to supporting growers.
L-R: Henry Gordon Smith, moderator; Ronald Hoek; Arie van der Giessen; Rudolf de Vetten, chief product officer Blue Radix.
The benefits of AI in agriculture also influence everything from market competitiveness to environmental stewardship. By optimizing resource use and minimizing waste, AI empowers growers to cultivate crops that are superior in quality and more sustainable in production. In essence, AI in agriculture epitomizes a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
This means the future of farming looks increasingly promising. It is a future where growers, armed with AI-enabled insights and capabilities, can devote more time to what matters most: nurturing crops to their fullest potential and delivering exceptional quality produce to customers.
For more information:
Helen L. Aquino
Village Farms International Inc.
Tel.: +1 (407) 936-1190
www.villagefarms.com