The biggest “technical” innovation for table grapes took place about two decades ago when growers started using V-shaped trellises.
But every aspect of the industry from planting to marketing has been touched by technological progress.
Engineers at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fresno County have developed three-dimensional mapping software that enables growers to look at specific locations to determine if vines need water.
Irrigation rates and frequency can then be adjusted. It can also track how the clusters are developing by time lapse imaging, all without walking row to row.
Jeff Olsen, president of the Chuck Olsen Company, Inc. BB #:151376 in Visalia, CA, said “Today it’s common to use GPS in the field for mapping out where nutrients and water are needed most. In terms of food safety, it’s imperative to have software that tracks the grapes at each step.”
Clint Lucas, account manager at RJO Produce Marketing, Inc. BB #:150105 in Fresno, CA, explains how RJO’s proprietary Bird Dog App uploads reports from the field.
“Customers can pull up the inspections and view the scoring system we developed. Our ‘bird dogs’ do this out in the field, then our account managers can review the product and provide an assessment based on customers’ quality specifications. It’s a real-time device that displays inspections online. We’ve had this app in place at least six years and upgrade it regularly.”
This is an excerpt from the most recent Produce Blueprints quarterly journal. Click here to read the full version.
