Hadlow Sustainable Orchard and Vineyard Project


Inspiring the next generation of fruit growers and horticulturists

Since September, as part of their studies, Hadlow College students have been cultivating and managing a 3-hectare sustainable ‘concept’ orchard and vineyard using cutting-edge technologies and automated systems.HAD GGOE Logo

We are the first UK college to give our students the opportunity to be at the forefront of exciting changes in the farming sector by gaining practical, hands-on experience of sustainable fruit growing.

Developed in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and local industry specialists, this innovative project focuses on decarbonisation and addressing skills shortages in the food production industry.

The aim is to develop concepts for a more efficient, economic, healthy, and sustainable farming industry, with the help of the latest technologies in automation and AI.

Why is the project so important?

It’s predicted that by 2050, the world will need approximately 70% more food than is currently being produced to sustain the growing world population. Meanwhile, UK growers are battling with severe shortages in available labour.

Sustainable farming techniques revolve around optimally using natural resources while not harming the environment in any way. Technology and automation can help make certain tasks faster, more efficient, and more economical compared to traditional methods.

What will students be involved in?

Hadlow College students will be instrumental in meeting the needs of a changing world in terms of increased food production, sustainable use of natural resources, waste reduction and recycling and using less energy.

Alongside more traditional horticultural methods, students will gain valuable employable skills in using drones, robotic fruit pickers, weather sensors and simulations to assist in food production.

A section of the orchard has been devoted to viticulture where students will be trained in how to set up and manage a vineyard. The rest of the orchard will be used to train students in sustainable orchard management with crops including apples, pears, cherries, apricots and other prunus.

What technology will be used in the orchard?

The orchard will be as automated as possible using a range of robotic equipment and sensors to remove many labour-intensive aspects, while teaching students important skills in modern orchard management.

Drones will monitor bud set, predict yields and monitor the growth of the crop allowing precise applications of nutrition, pest and disease control methods to be used.

Sensors will be installed throughout the orchard to monitor amongst other things moisture, relative humidity, PAR and rainfall, plus other exciting sensors which are currently being developed.

The orchard and vineyard will also feature AI management systems, innovative crop diversity, cleaner storage, robotic fruit picking and post-harvest technology.

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How To View on a VR headset

Either go to the link or click on the embedded link and then you will be able to click/interact with the video using the VR headset controllers.

 

Ready to become a farmer of the future?

Apply Now! Or attend one of our upcoming events.

 

Keep up-to-date with the project!

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