Tech puts consumers at heart of fruit development

The Genetics of Fruit Sensory Preferences project, funded by Hort Innovation Frontiers, involved creating language similar to that used by winemakers, so plant breeders had a consistent way to assess flavour and identify traits consumers valued most. The ‘flavour wheels’ aimed to help breeders identify promising varieties earlier in the breeding process, accelerating the development of fruit consumers would enjoy.

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Taking flight against bird damage

Early RoBird trials in Australian almond orchards recorded an 89 per cent reduction in fruit loss within monitored trial blocks and a 94 per cent bird displacement rate following engagement with the technology. Now, the biomimetic drone is being put to the test in strawberries. In this video, Tim Harris takes us onto his farm…

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AGI Build 3

Horticulture innovators build new frontiers

The third cohort of the Australian-Grown Innovation (AGI) Build program will work closely with growers, industry experts and mentors to develop and validate solutions addressing real challenges across Australian horticulture. The AGI Program, co-funded by Hort Innovation Frontiers and Startupbootcamp, supports growers, researchers, startups and industry innovators to transform early-stage ideas into commercially viable opportunities…

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New exoskeletons the future of more productive farming

Horticulture growers are bringing the future to their farms, trialling wearable exoskeleton technology. The aim? To reduce physical strain on workers and lift productivity around the most demanding on‑farm tasks. Launched today by Hort Innovation, the new Frontiers project will test how exoskeleton “exosuits” can support workers carrying out repetitive and physically intensive horticulture jobs,…

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Horticulture innovators enter next phase

From idea to impact: horticulture innovators enter next phase The third cohort of the Australian-Grown Innovation (AGI) Incubate Program has today been announced, bringing together 12 Australian horticulture growers and innovators to explore new technologies, validate innovative ideas and develop solutions that strengthen the future of the industry. The AGI Program, co-funded by Hort Innovation…

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