Robotic technology is now poised to play a key role in addressing the longstanding labour shortages in daffodil harvesting.
Traditionally, daffodil picking is a highly manual process, requiring extensive labour during a short window of time each season. However, Cambridge-based company Autopickr Ltd has developed an automated system that is expected to ease this challenge, reducing the need for manual labour by up to 30%.
This innovation comes at a time when the agricultural sector, particularly in the UK, is grappling with a persistent shortage of seasonal workers, a problem exacerbated by recent socio-political changes such as Brexit.
Many growers have struggled to find enough workers during peak harvest periods, which in turn threatens crop yields and financial stability. Autopickr’s technology, supported by funding from Innovate UK’s Agri-tech and food technology Launchpad, could provide a solution that not only addresses the labour shortfall but also enhances the efficiency of the entire harvest process.
The technology itself works by automating key tasks such as picking, sorting, and packaging, allowing for greater precision and consistency.
According to Robyn Sands, CEO of Autopickr, the introduction of robotics could help to significantly cut down the time and resources currently required to harvest daffodils, thus lowering operational costs for growers. This is particularly vital for daffodil farms in regions like Cornwall and Lincolnshire, where the industry remains a crucial part of the local economy.
Moreover, the deployment of robotic technology in flower harvesting reflects a broader trend in agriculture towards automation, as the sector looks to increase productivity and sustainability in the face of growing challenges.
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