How AI is empowering farmers to feed the world, sustainably

In the field of agricultural development, the integration of advanced technologies like AI and data analytics is more than a passing trend; it's a significant shift towards greater efficiency and sustainability. At FruitCast, our engagement in this shift is characterised by our commitment over the last four years to innovation and leadership in applying these technologies to real practical agricultural challenges that growers are experiencing.

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The global challenge we face today is huge: feeding an estimated 9.7 billion people by 2050.

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The solution does not solely lie in the expansion of arable land but in the strategic enhancement of agricultural productivity through technological innovation.

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At FruitCast, our focus is on utilising AI to convert extensive agricultural data into actionable insights so growers of soft fruit, and in time other crops too, can identify where they can make changes in real time to balance efficient production with market demand.

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The soft fruit industry, for example, is under enormous pressure from labour shortages, rising costs and weather, but it’s also very seasonal and a time sensitive crop, all of which carries great risk. Too much fruit in any week means waste and loss, and too little, you lose business. The forecasting provided by FruitCast, with its market-leading AI capability driven by one of the largest databases in the world, will be transformative to the industry.

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Our objective is clear: to empower farmers and agribusinesses to make data-driven decisions that optimise yield, minimise waste, and promote sustainable practices.

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In the UK's agritech sector, FruitCast stands out as an innovator. We have developed advanced systems capable of providing accurate crop yield forecasts and comprehensive assessments of farm health. This technology is particularly crucial in the current context of global climate change and the resulting environmental challenges, which are increasingly impacting traditional farming methods.

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FruitCast's commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic growth aligns with the broader goals of investment in agritech. The UK, with its longstanding agricultural heritage and robust support for technological innovation, provides an ideal setting for such advancements. FruitCast is proud to be selected as one of the 13 UK companies driving human progress, as recognised at the Global Investment Summit (GIS) 2023. It is huge validation of our dedication and the potential of our cutting-edge technology to global investors.

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The journey to this point in agritech has been marked by significant historical developments. These include the evolution of human perception, the groundbreaking era of moving pictures, and, most notably, the advent of camera technology capable of intelligent data processing. Today's cameras, combined with AI algorithms, process and interpret data on an unprecedented scale, positioning technologies like FruitCast at the vanguard of agricultural innovation.

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FruitCast leverages this advanced capability to transform raw data into valuable insights, thereby catalysing disruption in an industry poised for change. Our approach goes beyond data collection; we aim to redefine agricultural practices through informed, data-driven decision-making. What sets us apart at FruitCast, according to those we’ve trialled with, is that we as a team have a real, practical understanding of agriculture, and this is not AI for AI’s sake but leveraging it for the sustainable future of agriculture.

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The synthesis of historical technological advancements forms the foundation of FruitCast's mission. We are not just participating in the agritech revolution; we are actively shaping it. Our utilisation of these technological pillars is redefining agricultural possibilities.

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The integration of such groundbreaking technology in agriculture is not merely an enhancement; it is essential for a sustainable future, and it’s happening here in the UK. We may be a small island, but it doesn’t stop us having big ideas, and at FruitCast, we are enthusiastic about leading this transformative journey, continually driving innovation in the agritech sector.

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FruitCast is a market-leading agtech innovation underpinned by an understanding of practical agriculture, which offers unique AI-enabled data analytics and yield forecasting for soft fruits. We non-destructively measure individual fruit numbers, weight, and maturity of millions of berries per day. Combined with our other data sources, our algorithms can predict yield up to six weeks ahead.