Innovating Potato Farming with Machine Learning
In an effort to maintain their commitment to producing top-quality potatoes, G Visser & Sons, one of Prince Edward Island’s (PEI) prominent potato growers, has partnered with HarvestEye, a cutting-edge crop insights tool. HarvestEye utilizes machine learning to monitor and analyze the size, shape, and variability of potatoes on packing lines. This system processes over 500,000 pounds of produce weekly, enhancing quality control by complementing the manual efforts of sorters on the conveyor belt.
Enhanced Visibility and Quality Control
HarvestEye offers a cost-effective solution for providing detailed visibility into root crop harvests, including potatoes and onions. The system can be integrated into grading equipment, harvest machinery, and even used as a handheld device for in-field test digs. This versatility allows for real-time monitoring and quality assessment from the field to the packing line.
Harry Tinson, general manager at HarvestEye, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership: “Working closely with one of PEI’s top potato growing families, our relationship with G Visser & Sons provides an invaluable opportunity within the fresh produce market.” He highlighted the unique challenges faced by PEI growers, such as fluctuating temperatures and the rich red soils, which HarvestEye aims to address with its innovative technology.
The Benefits of Real-Time Monitoring
Adam Jay, chief operating officer at G Visser & Sons, noted the advantages of incorporating HarvestEye into their operations: “While we proudly rely on human intuition with our team of quality sorters, we were looking to implement a system that could provide a passive real-time monitoring tool to more quantifiably evaluate shrink.” The daily reports generated by HarvestEye have proven to be incredibly insightful, helping to reduce human error and optimize the return for growers.
G Visser & Sons initially discovered HarvestEye at the Fruit Logistica trade show. Impressed by its capabilities, they have since integrated it into one of their packing lines, finding the system’s real-time monitoring and data analytics invaluable for maintaining high-quality standards.
Future Expansion and Investment
Looking ahead, G Visser & Sons plans to expand the use of HarvestEye across more of their operations, including additional packing lines and in-field harvesting machinery. The handheld system will also be used for test digs to assess crop progression, make yield and size forecasts, and assist with harvest timing. This expansion aims to generate a greater return on investment and further improve the efficiency and quality of their potato production.
Vidyanath (Vee) Gururajan, managing director of HarvestEye, expressed enthusiasm for the growing relationship with PEI growers: “PEI is integral to the North American potato industry. By building relationships with established growers such as G Visser & Sons, we can continue to innovate the hardware and software elements of our product to offer even more bespoke support to customers.”
The partnership between G Visser & Sons and HarvestEye exemplifies the growing trend of integrating advanced technologies into agriculture to enhance productivity and quality. By leveraging machine learning and real-time data analytics, G Visser & Sons is poised to set a new standard in potato farming, ensuring high-quality produce and optimized returns for growers. As this collaboration develops, it promises to bring substantial benefits to the broader agricultural community in PEI and beyond.
