In a recent discussion at La Trobe University, industry experts highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of fruit and vegetable production. The event, titled ‘Navigating the Future’, took place at the Shepparton Art Museum in October and was attended by food producers, innovators, and those interested in advancements in agricultural technology.
The panel consisted of three experts who collectively acknowledged the significant role that AI could play in data analysis for growers. Associate Professor Tony Gendall, a lecturer in crop and plant science at La Trobe University, pointed out the educational challenges in communicating the diverse applications of technology within a limited timeframe. He emphasised the emergence of data as a critical component in the future of agriculture, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated advancements in DNA sequencing technology to an unprecedented scale.
Mark Hunter, the engineering manager at SPC, described innovations within their canning operations, highlighting the importance of technology in maintaining quality control through the monitoring of fruit colour. He also mentioned the use of a mobile robotic dog designed to assess conveyor vibration and temperature, reflecting a shift towards integrating advanced technology in traditional processes.
John Murphy, operations manager at Flavourite, oversees 75 hectares of vegetable farms primarily located in Victoria's Goulburn Valley. He recounted initial AI implementations in glasshouses in the Netherlands, which were deemed unsuccessful. Murphy stated, “So, our first step is pest and disease management, getting the growing taken care of and collecting the data on plant health." He emphasised the potential for AI to facilitate production forecasting by integrating data related to crop monitoring, which could lead to considerable reductions in waste and improvements in sales. “Data interpretation models are … probably what we really need,” he added.
During the discussion, Hunter also expressed caution regarding the way some technology companies are marketing their products, suggesting that many innovations branded as AI are, in fact, straightforward automation strategies. “The new companies (are) calling us saying ‘hey, come and try this’,” he remarked, adding, “And a lot of the time what we see is probably not what I call AI, it’s just automation." He articulated a preference for AI to provide suggestions rather than making binding decisions, indicating that the processing of data is likely to be the initial area where AI starts to influence agricultural practices.
Overall, the insights shared at this event underscore a growing recognition of the potential for AI to reshape agricultural methodologies, particularly in the context of data analysis and decision-making processes. With ongoing advancements in technology and a clearer understanding of its applications, the agricultural sector is poised for significant changes in the near future.
Source: Noah Wire Services