Project news Smart automization, robotization and ICT applications for horticulture

Smart weed control and irrigation; the use of sensors in tree nurseries, in asparagus cultivation and in blueberry cultivation: those are the aims of the new Interreg project Smart Growers. Through the introduction of Smart Farming at these farms, the project aims to boost sustainable agriculture and horticulture in the Flemish-Dutch border region.

Precision horticulture

The Interreg project 'Smart Growers' aims to further implement Smart Farming in the Flemish-Dutch border region, thus stimulating more sustainable agriculture and horticulture. This will be done through research and development within three applications of Smart Farming, in close cooperation with farmers, horticulturalists and high-tech companies on both sides of the border. The applications researched are relevant to three important crops in the Flemish-Dutch border region:

• ornamental horticulture, specifically open-air tree nurseries;
• vegetables, with special attention to asparagus cultivation;
• fruit cultivation, with special attention to blueberry.

As a first application, we aim to control weeds in a more sustainable way. The second application is to use water more efficiently by intelligently controlling irrigation systems. The third application is to investigate the added value of remote sensing techniques for the early detection of problems in the field, using camera images taken from above and from the side of the crop.

Term: 2019 - 2022
Funding: This project is subsidized by the Interreg Vlaanderen – Nederland Program, co-financed by the European fund for Regional Development.
Partners: pcfruit, Innoveins, Compas Agro, PCS, Smart Digital Farming, Proefstation voor de groententeelt, Blue Engineering
Website: https://www.smartgrowers.eu/