How AI and Greenhouses Are Revolutionizing Strawberry Production for Year-Round Availability

the detrimental effects of climate change on traditional field production and the advancements in greenhouse technology. Greenhouses offer the potential to cultivate fruit in controlled environments, even during winter, potentially reducing the need for imported produce.

the strawberry's evolutionary history. Strawberries have adapted to thrive outdoors, and most current varieties do not perform well in greenhouses. Developing new, greenhouse-specific varieties is a lengthy process, often taking decades.

To address this, a new partnership has formed between a greenhouse grower, a company originating from an Alphabet innovation lab, and an Italian fruit breeding company. They are leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of a strawberry variety specifically designed for greenhouse cultivation. This collaboration aims to create a 12-month strawberry supply, offering consumers fresh, locally-grown fruit year-round.

The AI component is crucial. It analyzes vast amounts of data to predict the value of complex genetic traits and identify the optimal genetic combinations for greenhouse growing conditions. Trial plants are currently being assessed, with the goal of developing a new, high-yielding, and flavorful variety within five years, and potentially even sooner.

The greenhouse sector in Ontario is already a significant economic force, demonstrating its viability and potential. Greenhouses provide controlled environments, allowing for precise management of light, humidity, and temperature, resulting in significantly higher yields per unit of land compared to traditional field agriculture. This controlled environment also allows for year-round production, further enhancing efficiency.

the success of any new variety ultimately depends on its ability to thrive throughout the seasons, even within the controlled environment of a greenhouse.

The technology offers the potential to return to more traditional values in food production, where taste and quality are prioritized alongside yield. AI's ability to analyze vast datasets allows for the co-optimization of multiple factors, potentially leading to fruit varieties that balance the growing demand for food with consumers' desire for superior taste and nutritional value.