Technology giving growers new source of income

With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, UPP has developed a groundbreaking broccoli harvester that promises to transform the way farmers manage their crops. Mark Evans, the chief executive at UPP, shares insights into how this innovative technology addresses critical issues in farming, the barriers to its adoption, and the benefits it brings to growers.

Addressing key challenges in broccoli harvesting

Broccoli harvesting is traditionally a labour-intensive process, requiring significant manpower to manually cut the heads of broccoli over multiple passes through the field. This method is time-consuming and costly, especially given the rising labour costs and the scarcity of available workers.

“The farmers’ pain is that they currently can’t get enough harvest labour to get broccoli and other crops off the field,” Mark says. Additionally, the increasing costs of labour, including national insurance and general wage hikes, are putting immense financial pressure on farmers.

UPP’s broccoli harvester addresses these challenges by automating the harvesting process. Using robotic automation, computer vision and artificial intelligence, the harvester can significantly reduce the number of workers needed in the field.

This technology allows farmers to reduce their harvest teams from potentially 20 people down to just three, drastically cutting labour costs and improving the economics of broccoli production.

 

The adoption of UPP’s broccoli harvester

For farmers interested in adopting UPP’s broccoli harvester, the process is designed to be as seamless as possible. Recognising farmers’ financial constraints, UPP says it intends to reduce the risk growers perceive in adopting their technology by offering the harvester ‘as a service’.

This model allows farmers to pay for the technology as they use it, rather than making a substantial up-front investment.

“Rather than saying ‘Buy this machine outright’, you basically pay for it as you go,” Mark says. This approach ensures farmers can immediately benefit from cost savings without the financial burden of purchasing new equipment.

The harvester also offers additional benefits. The computer vision and AI systems it uses to determine whether or not to cut a stem can all operate at night. 

“You can take the broccoli off at night when it’s cold, so you don’t have to reduce its temperature as much when you bring it into the pack house,” Mark notes. This flexibility not only saves money but also enhances the quality of the harvested produce.

Overcoming barriers to technology adoption

Despite the advantages of UPP’s broccoli harvester, there are still barriers to its adoption among growers. One significant hurdle is the reluctance of farmers to replace their current workforce with an unproven technology.

“Getting them to get rid of their current harvest labour and take on an unproven product is a real ask,” Mark acknowledges. Farmers are understandably cautious about adopting new technologies that could potentially disrupt their operations and jeopardise their income.

To overcome this, UPP emphasises the reliability and effectiveness of their technology through extensive testing and demonstrations. By showcasing the harvester’s capabilities in real-world conditions, UPP aims to build trust and confidence among farmers. 

 

Enhancing sustainability and generating secondary revenue

One of the standout features of UPP’s broccoli harvester is its ability to utilise parts of the plant that are typically wasted. 

Conventionally, broccoli heads are harvested for sale, while the stalks and stems, which are equally nutritious, are often left in the field to rot. This not only represents a loss of potential revenue but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

“By taking that stem and the stalk off, we get the chance to turn it into highly nutritious products,” Mark says. This process helps reduce methane emissions and creates a secondary revenue stream for farmers.

These harvested stalks and stems can then be upcycled and used in various food products, including sausages, burgers, cakes, breads, sauces and soups. 

This broccoli by-product can be used to replace a range of ingredients such as soy, pea, and wheat proteins, which are often imported and allergenic.

“Broccoli is not only great for you, but it’s hypoallergenic as well,” Mark points out. By transforming waste into valuable products, UPP is helping farmers maximise their crop’s potential and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

The role of data in modern farming

UPP’s broccoli harvester is not just a tool for harvesting; it is also a powerful data collection device. The harvester uses computer vision to image each plant, providing detailed information on plant growth and health.

“We get a longitudinal track record of that plant’s growth, and that is gold dust to growers.”

This data allows farmers to make informed decisions about crop management, improving forecasting and optimising yields.

By mapping plant growth data onto weather patterns and other environmental factors, farmers can better understand how different varieties perform under various conditions. This end-to-end digital chain, from planting to harvest, enhances the precision and efficiency of farming operations.

“We see an end-to-end digital chain starting off at planting and going all the way through to harvest,” Mark says. This comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis is transforming the way farmers manage their crops.

 

The future of farming

Looking ahead, UPP is committed to working with the next generation of farmers to promote sustainable and profitable farming practices. 

“It’s very much about working with the next generation of farmers, coming through institutions such as Harper Adams University, to deliver something that’s better for the planet, better for the food producers, but also better for the farmer too,” he says.

Mark says he fully expects farming and growing to work with more autonomous technologies in the near future, although there’s always going to be a need for farmers and growers with the right skills to control those technologies, too.

“While we do see a future of increased automation, we don't believe that the future of farming is the farmer sits in his or her farm office, presses a button off the harvester goes. You're always going to need someone to take the harvester to the field to basically commission it and move it through.

“But the volume of data we will get from these autonomous systems will in itself be transformational over time.”

UPP’s broccoli harvester stands to help growers address labour shortages and reduce costs all while enhancing their business sustainability and introducing a new source of income. And by selling it ‘as a service’ the team are clearly working hard to make sure their system is as financially accessible as possible.

Visit the UPP website to find out more about the broccoli harvester and how it can open up new revenue streams for your farm.