Defra has today published the results of a review exploring how
the horticulture sector can make use of innovative technologies
such as packhouse automation, AI enabled robotics and autonomous
guided vehicles to help with tasks like the picking, packing and
transporting of fruit, vegetables and flowers.
With labour shortages continuing to affect the farming sector
globally, the Environment Secretary and Professor Simon Pearson
from the University of Lincoln co-chaired the Review of
Automation in Horticulture in support of the wider aim
of reducing the sector’s reliance on migrant workers.
The Review brought together experts across horticulture,
technology and supporting industries to understand what would be
required to accelerate the development and uptake of automation
technologies, in both the edible and ornamental horticulture
sectors. The recommendations include:
- establishing a consortium that brings together government and
industry to drive adoption of proven technologies
- adopting a mission-led approach to fast-track new
technologies;
- the horticulture sector setting up working groups to share
novel harvest practices and consider how best to make the
industry more attractive for workers.
- developing the sector’s skills pipelines and consider ways to
attract and retain staff
- considering a long-term Seasonal Workers Scheme for edible
and ornamental horticulture to help stabilise workforce
pressures;
The Government will consider the report’s recommendations and
publish a response in due course.
Environment Secretary, said:
“I would like to thank Simon Pearson for chairing this review and
for the technical knowledge he brought to it. There are
opportunities for new robotic technologies to reduce costs and
labour requirements in horticulture in the years ahead and this
review highlights the potential for this.”
Professor Simon Pearson, co-chair of the Automation Review said:
“Our successful horticulture industry is facing unprecedented
pressure to step change labour productivity. Productivity gain
reduces the reliance of the sector on seasonal migrant workers,
secures vibrant rural businesses and the flow of high health
foods at fair values to consumers. This review was undertaken to
understand how we can accelerate the development and adoption of
automation and robotic technologies across the fruit, vegetable
and ornamental production sectors.
“My role at the Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology at the
University of Lincoln is to support and enhance the future
of food and agriculture productivity, efficiency, and
sustainability through research, education, and technology.
Therefore, I was delighted to Co-Chair the Automation Review and
hope to see the recommendations taken forward to best support
colleagues in the industry.”
