Revolutionizing Berry Farming: Automation, Robotics, and Sustainability at Place UK

This heading captures the essence of the article, highlighting the innovative technologies and sustainable practices being implemented by Place UK in their berry production.

Embracing Innovation: The Future of Strawberry Farming at Place UK

Located in the charming village of Tunstead, near North Walsham, Place UK stands as one of the UK’s premier fruit-growing enterprises, known for producing over 1,500 tonnes of strawberries annually from approximately 1.5 million plants. This remarkable feat is not merely a result of traditional farming practices; it underscores Place UK’s commitment to innovation through cutting-edge automation and sustainable techniques.

A Commitment to Sustainability

One of the standout features of Place UK is its adoption of hi-tech automation and robotics, aimed at enhancing efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Recent advancements include:

• Ground-source heat pumps that harness renewable energy.
• Computerized irrigation systems that utilize clean rainwater collected from expansive plastic growing tunnels.

This innovative approach ensures that the plants receive precisely the right amount of water, contributing to both conservation and quality production.

Nighttime Robotics

One of the exciting developments at Place UK is the introduction of Thorvald, an autonomous robot developed in Norway. Working diligently at night, this robot combats fungal infections, specifically powdery mildew, by exposing strawberry plants to shortwave ultraviolet light. This treatment not only preserves the strawberries but also saves costs and reduces the environmental footprint associated with traditional fungicides.

Dan Yordanov, Place UK’s head of fresh, highlights the impact of these technologies: “Instead of applying chemicals to protect the crops, we are using UV lights at night, which kill the spores and prevent them from multiplying.”

Continuing Evolution in Automation

Yordanov also notes a significant focus on further automation, revealing exciting projects underway:

• A raspberry-picking robot debuted last year, symbolizing a major milestone in addressing the complexities of harvesting this challenging fruit.
• An advanced strawberry-picking robot is being developed to enhance crop production using state-of-the-art AI technology.

"Very soon, you’ll see more of these robots on farms," Yordanov asserts, emphasizing the ongoing collaboration with innovative tech companies.

The Human Element in Farming

Despite these advancements, Yordanov believes that automation will not fully replace human labor any time soon. “We think that for quite a bit of time still, technologies and people will work hand in hand. Together, we can grow better crops and do a better job,” he explains.

At the peak of the summer season, Place UK employs around 600 people, half of whom manually harvest the strawberries. This balance reflects the company’s philosophy: while technology is essential, the human touch remains invaluable.

Smart Water Management

Place UK has also invested significantly in clean water supply systems. A 2.2-hectare tunnel dedicated to early premium strawberries operates completely self-sufficiently for water needs by capturing rain from the structure’s roof and channeling it into a massive 150,000 cubic meter reservoir. This technique, combined with trickle-fed irrigation systems made from coconut husk substrates, ensures that plants receive precisely what they need for optimal growth.

"We can control it from our phones," says Stefan Arsene, operations manager. “If the crop goes without water for just 2-3 hours, it could be catastrophic.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Place UK recently hosted a tour for 20 young researchers from the Early-Career Innovators’ Forum (ECIF), organized by Agri-TechE. This initiative aims to showcase the intersection of science, innovation, and farming. Dr. Laura Bouvet, a knowledge exchange manager, emphasizes the importance of these experiences: “Seeing the next generation of key players come together—sharing experiences and understanding each other’s perspectives—is where the real magic happens.”

In conclusion, Place UK exemplifies how the fusion of innovation and sustainability can redefine farming practices. Their commitment to embracing technology not only aims for higher yields but also protects the environment and prepares the industry for the future. The journey of innovation is ongoing, and Place UK is leading the way—one strawberry at a time.