B-hive Innovations and fruit grower Adrian Scripps Ltd have joined forces for a new Innovate UK project. The 12-month project will reportedly allow apple growers to gain greater insights into the size, count and variability of produce at the point of harvest.
It utilises B-hive Innovation’s HarvestEye technology, which is already been used by potato and onion farmers.
Dr Mercedes Torres Torres will lead the project alongside Adrian Scripps managing director James Simpson. They said: “At B-hive, our objective is simple – to empower growers with the tools they need to deliver long-term, sustainable growth by increasing marketable yields and reducing waste. This has been proven for a number of years now with potato growers, who trust our technologies to deliver better forecasting of their root crops.
“It is exciting to be expanding the technology to operate with other fresh produce. This doesn’t come without its challenges, and we’ll need to undertake some modification to both the hardware and software of the system to ensure it is accurately producing the results we require for the world of fresh produce.”
James added: “We desperately need clear, consistent information on the size and count of our apple crop as early as possible after harvest to allow us to meet the demands of retailers, who typically use set product sizes. We’re thrilled to be able to help develop technology that will revolutionalise our industry and are privileged to have the backing of Innovate UK in this year-long venture.”
For more information go to www.b-hiveinnovations.co.uk