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.
Photo Gallery
Speakers and Panelists
Dr. Darby McGrath
Vice-President, Research & Development
Vineland
Dr. Ian Potter
President & CEO
Vineland
Brett Maxwell
Director, Innovation and Growth Policy
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
Colinda de Beer
Senior Business Developer Horticulture
InnovationQuarter
Greg Devries
President & CEO
Truly Green Farms, Cedarline Greenhouses, Cedarline Farms
Hussam Haroun
Director, Automation
Vineland
Ron Saris
Innovation Manager
LetsGrow.com
Michael Curry
Chief Executive Officer
Mycionics Inc.
Dr. Amy Bowen
Director, Consumer, Sensory & Market Insights
Vineland
Event Videos
Vineland Automation Cluster Presentation
Dr. Ian Potter – President & CEO
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Keynote Address
Brett Maxwell – Director, Innovation and Growth Policy
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Panel Discussion
Moderated by Dr. Darby McGrath – Vice-President, Research & Development
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Technology Showcase – Smart Irrigation
Ron Saris – Innovation Manager
LetsGrow.com
Technology Showcase – Automated Harvesting
Hussam Haroun – Director, Automation
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Roundtable Discussion Presentation – Technology Showcase – State of the Horticulture Automation Sector: Challenges and Opportunities
Alexandra Grygorczyk – Research Scientist, Sensory & Consumer Services
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Looking for more information on the Automation Cluster Event or our applied research?
Contact: Hussam Haroun, Director, Automation
905.562.0320 x685
hussam.haroun@vinelandresearch.com
