Agtonomy expands rental programme to Washington’s crop industries

Agtonomy, a prominent player in the field of advanced automation and artificial intelligence, has announced the expansion of its successful pilot rental programme to the permanent crop industries in Washington state. This initiative, revealed on December 5, 2024, continues the momentum built during its pilot phase in California and aims to facilitate the adoption of automation technology among fruit, nut, and wine grape growers.

The newly launched rental model offers growers a chance to engage with either electric or diesel platforms equipped with Agtonomy technology, enabling them to automate key repetitive tasks such as mowing, spraying, weeding, and transporting crops. This service not only aims to save time but also intends to enhance operational efficiency. The decision to implement this rental programme reflects Agtonomy’s understanding that growers desire practical and reliable solutions that maximise value while granting them the confidence to embrace advanced technology.

Tim Bucher, Agtonomy’s co-founder and CEO, stated, “Our expansion into Washington is just the start of a broader journey. We understand that growers want solutions that are practical, reliable and tailored to deliver the most value.” He emphasised that the programme provides a cost-effective way for growers to trial automation without the immediate burdens of long-term commitment, along with a unique 30-day guarantee.

The rental programme builds upon the successful outcomes noted during Agtonomy’s pilot in California, where growers reported increased efficiency and productivity by integrating automation into their operations. This innovation allows a single operator to manage an entire fleet of equipment, effectively streamlining operational workflows while also enabling existing labour forces to upskill and transition into higher-value roles.

Simon Graves, the director of vineyard operations at Treasury Wine Estates’ Americas division, highlighted the collaboration with Agtonomy, noting, “We’ve increased the effectiveness of emerging in-field AI farm equipment technologies by working with Agtonomy to introduce new features that respond to the specific conditions on our vineyards.” This collaboration underscores the broader strategic approach to sustainability adopted by Treasury Wine Estates across its global operations.

As Agtonomy embarks on this expansion in Washington, it signals the beginning of a larger growth strategy, with aspirations to extend its innovative solutions to other regions in the U.S. and internationally. By leveraging insights from both its rental programme and initial pilot efforts, Agtonomy is positioned to respond to the increasing global demand for efficient and cost-effective farming technologies.

Bucher further articulated Agtonomy’s mission, saying, “Automation is not just about technology; it’s about empowering growers with the tools they need to succeed.” The forthcoming rental programme is viewed as a pivotal move towards fostering a sustainable and productive agricultural ecosystem, paving the way for Agtonomy to engage with a global network of growers.

Washington state growers can learn more about the rental programme at the Northwest Horticulture Expo in Yakima, where Agtonomy will be present from December 9 to 11, 2024, showcasing the potential of advanced automation in agriculture.

Source: Noah Wire Services