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Jono Tobias with data collection rig attached to tractor
Assisted harvesting next step in labour-saving Several spin-off businesses associated with Waikato University are busy developing new technology to tackle the issue of labour shortages in the horticulture sector. GEOFF LEWIS reports.
In March, graduates Josh Barnett and Jono Tobias collected data from a rig towed behind a tractor through a field of broccoli as part of the ongoing development of horticultural ‘assisted harvesting’ devices. Jono has experience in electrical engineering whereas Josh, managing director of Axis7 Ltd – a research and development company with expertise in robotics and machine design – has a mechanical engineering background. He also designed an autonomous asparagus harvester through Waikato University several years ago that is now in the hands of Robotics Plus Ltd with $5 million in funding to take it further. Now back in the field, Josh is scoping a study to collect data which would help in the development of a device to reduce the number of workers required to harvest broccoli. The study, funded by a $30,000 grant from the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), will 36
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help to address chronic labour shortages. While the project is in its early stages, further funding support looks promising. Kaimai Fresh grows asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbages over 225-hectares near Matamata and has partnered with Josh to support the study. Owner, Matt Carnachan, says labour has become a critical problem. “To find labour we’ve tried everything, going through Work and Income, finding people in the local area and the RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme, nothing really works,” he says. “In the past, with asparagus, we needed a lot of labour, but we have now reduced that to a team of eight to ten. “Asparagus will fall back to being a niche product. Our focus is now on brassicas and a smaller amount of labour. The issue is a matter of survival for all labour-intensive crops – potatoes, carrots, onions, salad greens – everyone is looking to autonomous harvesters.”
