AgroFresh expands its digital ecosystem

AgroFresh Solutions Inc. recently announced collaborations with Rubens Technologies and Escavox that will enhance AgroFresh’s FreshCloud digital platform, a comprehensive data-backed platform that helps supply chain workers make real-time decisions informed by data. 

“With the addition of Rubens Technologies and Escavox solutions, the FreshCloud digital ecosystem is now informed by near real-time data at each crucial step in the produce supply chain: at the grower, in production, in storage, at retail distribution and during transit,” said Bradford Warner, AgroFresh global head of digital and data. “These collaborations enable FreshCloud to provide a fully integrated monitoring system, empowering growers, packers, marketers and shippers to make critical business decisions to improve fruit quality and profitability.”

FreshCloud Harvest now integrates data from Rubens Technologies’ handheld spectral scanner that enables growers to quickly and easily collect fruit quality indicators to help them predict the optimal time for picking and assess fruit quality, without damaging the produce. Using spectral sensing combined with proprietary algorithms, the scanner measures Brix, firmness and starch in apples.

Escavox delivers multiple layers of produce and shipping data while the product is in transit. With the integration into a new FreshCloud Transit module, users can receive actionable insights from the Escavox technology to improve the quality and efficiency of fresh food logistics, including calculating predictive shelf life for best use, less rejection and reduced waste.

For more information, visit: agrofresh.com.

Oxbo debuts device for blueberry harvesters

Oxbo, which provides specialty harvesting and controlled application equipment, recently released AutoFill, a new on-harvester automation technology for Oxbo 7440 and 7450 blueberry harvesters. AutoFill automation technology is available through a select, limited-release program this year, with full production available in 2026.  

AutoFill automation was designed to reduce labor by up to 75 percent and to increase harvester efficiency. Building on the foundation of Oxbo’s EvenFill technology, AutoFill automatically de-stacks empty lugs, fills lugs to the correct preset weight and then automatically indexes full lugs to be stacked. 

For more information, visit: oxbo.com.

Nutrien makes multiyear commitment to support FFA

Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. recently announced its continuing support of the National Future Farmers of America Organization through a three-year investment of $850,000, according to a news release.

Spanning from 2024 to 2026, the annual contribution of $282,500 is strategically allocated to enhance the FFA’s broad programs. These funds are directed toward competitive event support for members, comprehensive professional development for advisors and a scholarship of $10,000 for National FFA officers at their service year’s end. The initiative also includes support for alumni chapters, strengthening the foundation for ongoing agricultural engagement and learning. 

“FFA creates a space for students interested in agriculture to grow their knowledge, confidence and leadership skills,” said Spencer Harris, senior vice president of global retail operations for Nutrien. “We are proud to continue to support FFA in providing this essential education for ag students.”