Page 21 - AWA Vol.41-No.5. 1

SeedS & PLANtStoCK

Smart processing for smart farming - Sormac presented CeA

post-harvest solutions at Greentech Amsterdam

hether grown in greenhouses,
Wvertical farms, or through hydro-
ponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic systems,
CEA leafy greens are cultivated with
precision and care. However, their deli-
cate nature demands an equally meticu-
lous post-harvest approach to ensure
they reach consumers in peak condi-
tion. This is where Sormac’s expertise
in post-harvest technology and process
optimization makes a crucial difference.
By drawing on its extensive expertise
in leafy greens processing technology
and collaborating with leading CEA- though the technology behind the CEA AI-aided line automation
growers, Sormac has developed dedi- Harvester is highly specialized, the har- Further enhancing efficiency is Sor-
cated solutions to meet the unique chal- vesting machine primarily stands out mac’s OptiPro visual automation system,
lenges of indoor-grown produce. for its ease of use. The planting channels an AI-powered technology designed to
are fed via a conveyor belt and trans-
Unlike field-grown crops, these greens ported fully automatically into the ma- minimize manual handling and automate
are cultivated in controlled, clean envi- chine. The cutting area inside the CEA quality control. Using high-resolution
ronments, eliminating the need for ex- Harvester is then optimally aligned. Two cameras and deep learning algorithms,
tensive washing. However, they require height-adjustable, circular blades carry OptiPro verifies the product against pre-
specialized handling to maintain their out the cutting process. These are posi- set recipes and monitors the harvesting
structure, freshness, and visual appeal. tioned just above the planting channels. process in real time. It checks the integ-
One of the most significant challenges An integrated blower first brings all the rity and positioning of each gutter and
with CEA leafy greens is their fragility. leaves into an upright position so that communicates with the central control
The thin cell structure of these greens the product can be cut from the stem or panel of the line. If necessary process-
makes them more susceptible to dam- root—without damaging the leaves. ing parameters are adjusted automati-
age, dehydration, and microbial con- "We paid very close attention to this cally. This intelligent oversight enables
tamination if not processed correctly. detail. Damaged products not only mean process precision with minimal human
Minimizing mechanical stress and opti- reduced quality, but also jeopardize fur- interface and raises the bar for consis-
mizing humidity levels during process- ther processing and shelf life” said Roy tency, efficiency, and scalability in CEA
ing, help maintain the crisp texture and Lemmen, Commercial Director at Sor- operations.
vibrant appearance that are essential for mac As CEA continues to evolve, Sormac re-
consumer appeal.
The performance of the harvesting ma- mains committed to supporting growers
Intelligent harvesting chine depends on the throughput speed in taking the next step in their business.
The CEA Harvester CH-30 from Sormac of the processing or packaging line Whether you are an established indoor
is specifically designed for leafy greens downstream. It is capable of processing farmer or entering the CEA space, our
grown in planting channels like gutters 80 channels with a length of 12.6 meters expertise and tailored post-harvest so-
or floaters with a width of up to 300 mm, per hour. Despite its sophisticated de- lutions help you deliver the highest
and it offers a dedicated harvesting sign, cleaning and maintenance are re- quality product to market.
solution for greenhouse cultivation. Al- markably straightforward. Circle 25 on enquiry card
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