Automation Cluster Event

Vineland’s automation cluster event was held on February 21, 2023 concluding five years of applied research dedicated to Canada’s Automation Cluster.

About the Event

This one-day event showcased research and facilitated discussions on the future of automation in Canadian horticulture to a range of stakeholders including Canadian scientists, engineers, companies and end-users.

The event successfully delivered the following objectives to an audience of 50 in-person attendees and over 70 virtual participants:

Communicate results of cluster projects to the agriculture sector and demonstrate technology prototypes
Hear from leading international experts on the latest developments in the science of automation
Create connections and opportunities for research collaboration
Create connections with companies who can take prototype technologies to the next stage of commercial development
Create international awareness and promote Canadian automation innovation

Agenda

Vineland Welcome & Introductions
Dr. Darby McGrath, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Vineland Automation Cluster Presentation
Dr. Ian Potter, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Keynote Address
Brett Maxwell, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Panel Discussion “The Future of Automation in Horticulture”
Moderated by Dr. McGrath
Hussam Haroun, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Colinda de Beer, InnovationQuarter
Ron Saris, LetsGrow.com
Greg Devries, Truly Green Farms, Cedarline Greenhouses, Cedarline Farms

Technology Showcase
Smart Irrigation (Ron Saris, LetsGrow.com)
Automated Harvesting (Hussam Haroun, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre)
Mushroom Harvesting (Michael Curry, Mycionics) – video not available

Roundtable Discussion
Hosted by Dr. Amy Bowen, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Automation Challenges & Future Opportunities Report

Vineland conducted stakeholder interviews with 26 different companies and organizations involved in horticultural automation in early 2023. These interviews provided a great overview to understand how the companies work in the space, where they see the best opportunities and how they can be connected to enhance impact for the sector. They also highlighted many challenges faced by this emerging sector and the growth and key learnings gained over the past five years. Findings can be found in the report below.

READ REPORT