Belgian Strawberry Sector Slashes Fungicide Use With UV-C Technology
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Almost half of Belgium’s strawberry growers are using autonomous UV-C robots to combat pests and persistent fungi like powdery mildew, resulting in an 80% reduction in fungicide use, and marking a major shift towards sustainable, high-tech practices within the sector.
The innovation is rapidly becoming a core part of production infrastructure, with the autonomous UV-C (Ultraviolet-C) robots being rolled out on a large scale across Belgium’s strawberry sector.
Following research trials during 2017, the industry has successfully transitioned to full commercial implementation this season, according to the Flanders' Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM).
“As of March 2026, 40% of Belgian strawberry growers are already making use of this technology,” revealed Nele Van Avermaet, the fruit and vegetables marketing manager at VLAM.
“This covers approximately half of the relevant tabletop strawberry cultivation area,” she continued. “The capacity has doubled from last year until now, so this is becoming a core part of our infrastructure.”
By treating plants overnight, the technology has reduced fungicide use by up to 80%, with some growers reportedly cutting spray applications by two thirds.
Combined with the use of beneficial insects for natural pest control, the system has also halved the number of crop protection products required, while delivering cleaner, more resilient fruit.
The impact of introducing UV-C robots is reshaping crop management practices in Belgium, providing strawberry growers with a natural, light-based alternative to tackling pests and diseases.
Moving autonomously through the greenhouses at night, the UV-C robots, use ultraviolet light to neutralise fungi before they can spread, thereby keeping plants healthy.
“Since we started using the UV-C robots, the difference in the greenhouse is visible every morning,” explained a producer from Belgian fresh produce grower cooperative Coöperatie Hoogstraten.
“We are no longer relying on chemical use; so, the plants remain strong. We have noticed first-hand that the harvest has a much more vigorous appearance and a notably glossy finish.
"For us, it’s not just about efficiency, it’s about delivering a strawberry that looks and tastes exactly how a premium berry should, and there is a peace of mind that it was grown sustainably,” the producer added.
Consistency For UK Supermarkets
Belgium is a major strawberry supplier to the UK retail market and technological advances are helping to ensure fruit supplied to retailers remains consistently high quality with a strong shelf appeal.
With UK demand for strawberries now extending far beyond the domestic growing window, imports from Europe continue to play an important role in satisfying consumer demand.
“Flanders’ geographical proximity to the UK, just across the Channel, minimises the time for the Belgian harvest to reach our shelves,” commented Gary Marshall, owner of UK wholesaler Bevington Salads which is based at New Covent Garden Market.
“This means their strawberries are the next best thing after our own national production, being as natural and fresh as you can get. Even while we wait for our own local peak, every day can be a good day for a strawberry!”
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