BLOG: A Californian Journey - Exploring Innovation in Fruit Production
15.07.2024
By Maria Tzortzi, Agronomy Manager - BASF Agricultural Solutions UK & Ireland
In a whirlwind eight-day tour I joined 53 of the NextGen Fruit Group to travel 900 miles across California. We visited over ten different organisations, providing us with a unique insight into the cutting-edge practices of some of the most advanced fruit producers in the United States.
The NextGen Fruit Group supports people involved in the UK fruit industry, encouraging and nurturing their passion for taking the sector forward. It aims to build a “community of talented and motivated young individuals in the fruit industry” - as an aside, a very accurate description of my travel companions.
Together we explored the cutting edge of fruit production in the States, with visits to industry leaders in vertical farming, berry cultivation, fruit picking, and research.
Vertical Farming and Berries
Our adventure began at Plenty in Compton, an industry leader in US vertical farming specialising in salad crops. The company's innovative approach, recently featured on the latest series of BBC's Planet Earth 3, showcases a sustainable future for urban farming. Plenty’s vertical farming methods promise a revolution in how we think about space and resources in agriculture.
From there, we visited Driscoll’s, one of the largest berry growers in the US. The company’s extensive knowledge of breeding, growing, marketing, and supply chain management is unparalleled. Driscoll’s has adapted to numerous challenges, from weather and area constraints to pest pressures and high labour costs. Notably, they are shifting towards a 100% substrate growing system for blackberries to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The visit highlighted the stark differences in organic farming practices between the US and the UK, particularly in pest management and cost structures.
Our tour also included Reiter Affiliated Companies (RAC), an associated business with Driscoll’s. Here, we delved into their research initiatives aimed at reducing chemical inputs for sustainability purposes. Their innovative use of Trichoderma through irrigation and the production of compost tea and humus underscores their commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The insights gained from RAC’s research projects opened a valuable window into how large-scale operations can adopt sustainable methods while maintaining productivity.
Automation and Advanced Research
One of the standout visits - to Advanced Farms - explored industry-leading automation for fruit picking. The team’s approach to breeding strawberry varieties suited to the Santa Maria region, combined with efforts to reduce labour dependency through automation, was particularly impressive.
At Cal Poly, a leading agricultural university, we were given a tour of the campus and research facilities. Cal Poly’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices through R&D is evident in their extensive trials on strawberries and other crops. The parallels drawn between their research priorities and those in the UK offered a comparative perspective on the global challenges and innovations in fruit production.
Grapes and Small-Scale Farming
Our exploration of grape breeding at IFG (International Fruit Genetics) provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of advanced genetics and trademarked varieties like Cotton Candy™ and Sweet Globe™. The intricate process of embryo rescue to breed seedless grapes was a testament to the scientific advancements driving fruit production today.
A contrasting yet equally enlightening visit was my American colleague’s family farm. Brian Fein, BASF Business Representative for Eastern Tulare and Fresno County, welcomed us and we engaged in open discussions about the challenges faced by small farmers in California, including pest and disease management, market competition, and the quest for new crop opportunities. This visit highlighted the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-changing agricultural landscape.
Family Tree Farms and Advanced Processing
At Family Tree Farms, we observed the integration of traditional farming with modern technology. The firm’s in-house breeding programme - aimed at developing new varieties of apples, pears, mangoes, and blueberries - underscored the importance of innovation in maintaining market competitiveness. The visit also included a demonstration of the Burro automated tray picker, a step towards reducing labour dependency in fruit harvesting.
Our trip also took us to SunBerry Farms, the largest organic farm in the area, and Fog City Farms, a leader in cannabis production and advanced controlled environment horticulture. These visits showcased the diverse applications of agricultural technology and the importance of sustainability in different contexts.
Wine and Sustainability
One of the final stops on our journey was Jackson Family Wines, where we discussed their holistic approach to sustainability through regenerative farming practices. Their commitment to reducing carbon footprints, enhancing biodiversity, and smart water management provided a comprehensive view of how large-scale wine producers are adapting to climate change. It was interesting to see how they are integrating sheep to mow vineyards and the use of cover crops - practices which are known and used in the UK.
Reflecting on Innovation and Collaboration
This journey through California’s fruit production landscape was an eye-opening experience. It reinforced the critical role of innovation and sustainable practices in ensuring the future of our industry. By sponsoring this trip and supporting the NextGen Fruit Group, BASF is contributing to the future of the UK’s fruit industry, fostering a global community of young professionals to drive the fruit industry towards a successful and sustainable future.
The insights gained from this trip will undoubtedly inform our practices here in the UK, helping us to stay at the forefront of global agricultural innovation. By building bridges with our counterparts across the Atlantic, we can continue to exchange knowledge, adapt, and thrive in the ever-evolving world of fruit production.
