Le 28/07/2024
Almond Board calls for robot companies addressing the needs of perennial crop growers
Almond Board of California chose FIRA USA 2024 to host a focused roundtable discussion on the automation requirements within the almond/tree nuts industry, next October in Woodland (California).
We got the chance to interview Lauren Fann, Pest management specialist at the Almond Board of California (ABC).
GOFAR: You supported last FIRA USA edition, please share with
Lauren Fann: We supported FIRA in 2022 and thought it was a good opportunity to bring and expose innovation to California. Initially, there were few companies that had technology that fit perennial crops. However, it seems that there has been more effort to bring in companies who have products that can be used in perennial crops
GOFAR: What do you expect from this new edition?
LF: We look forward to increased participation from companies addressing the needs of perennial crop growers. With free conference attendance for growers this year, we are excited about the potential for more conversations and connections between companies and growers. We hope companies will listen to growers, understand their needs, and develop innovative solutions to meet those needs directly.
GOFAR: What does automation in agriculture mean to you? (farmers' needs and challenges, ROI, existing solutions....)
LF: Automation in agriculture allows growers to address key challenges such as labor shortages, resource management, and the need for data-driven decisions. It also enhances efficiency and productivity. Existing solutions like automated machinery, drones, sensors, and precision agriculture technologies are already making significant impacts, transforming the agricultural landscape and meeting the evolving needs of farmers.