Nature Fresh Farms, based in Leamington, Ontario (Canada), with facilities across North America, has launched a new trial partnership with Koidra, an autonomous control company whose software aids growers in boosting yields, reducing resource usage and promoting sustainable controlled environment agriculture (CEA).

The partnership is expected to leverage Koidra’s AI technology to streamline greenhouse operations, reduce energy costs and maximize crop yields.

According to Koidra, its AI-powered solutions, DataPilot and KoPilot, offer a “comprehensive approach” to greenhouse management. The company states these systems integrate data from various sensors and hardware, “providing real-time insights and autonomous control of climate, lighting and irrigation systems to maintain optimal growing conditions within the greenhouse.”

According to Octavio Perez Rodriguez, director, growing operation at Nature Fresh Farms, Koidra’s AI-based automation technology “represents the future of sustainable agriculture. By integrating Koidra’s solutions, we aim to enhance our operational efficiency and continue providing high-quality produce to our customers.”

Kenneth Tran, CEO of Koidra adds: “Our mission is to empower growers with cutting-edge technology that optimizes their operations. This trial will demonstrate the significant impact our AI solutions can have on large-scale greenhouse production.”

The trial will focus on several key objectives including enhanced efficiency, labour optimization and increased yields. Nature Fresh Farms and Koidra will monitor and analyze the trial’s outcomes, aiming to showcase improvements in productivity, energy savings and overall operational efficiency.

Koidra won the 2018 and 2022 iterations of the Autonomous Greenhouse Challenges, hosted by Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands.

RELATED:
Team Koala wins Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge
Five teams to compete in 4th Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge