A journey of contrasts, insights and connection
The Orchard of the Future trip to Washington State, held from 6 to 12 July 2025, brought together technology companies, growers and researchers for a week of visits, conversations and shared experiences. International parallels emerged, such as common concerns around water and labour, alongside clear differences in scale, structure and investment. Participants encountered diverse applications of technology in fruit production and experienced how culture, collaboration and systems influence innovation. This mission demonstrated that mutual understanding and knowledge exchange are essential to renewal in a rapidly evolving global sector.
International perspective connects water and scale
The trip highlighted how many international challenges are shared. Water management, for example, is a recurring issue both in the Netherlands and in Washington. At the same time, the differences are substantial. The scale of operations, external capital flows and the complexity of the market structure in the US require a different approach. What stood out was the openness between Dutch and American growers. There was a willingness to share, compare and listen with mutual respect. By placing the local context alongside the Dutch system, it became clear how valuable Dutch knowledge can be. The Netherlands is recognised globally as a frontrunner in precision farming, supply chain integration and technical application. That comparison sparked new insights and fuelled discussions on how the US sector could evolve with input from Dutch expertise, and vice versa.
Technology in cultivation requires timing and focus
Participants encountered a wide range of technologies applied in fruit growing. From irrigation sensors to sunburn protection and inverter-driven cooling systems. Investing in new techniques proved more difficult in pear production than in apples, but opportunities were certainly identified. The cherry sorting lines stood out as a technical highlight. Growing systems such as V-trellises and the Auvil concept were also recognised as valuable adaptations that help make labour more accessible and family-friendly.
Labour and by-products reflect deeper system choices
Labour emerged as a topic approached differently in the US than in the Netherlands. The piece-rate model based on bins picked contrasts with the Dutch hourly wage approach. It also became clear that local youth are less inclined to choose careers in agriculture, partly due to political circumstances. Another noticeable point was the limited reuse of by-products, which in some cases leads to untapped potential.
Group experience and culture accelerate connection
Beyond the content, the group experience stood out. The mix of ages, backgrounds and areas of expertise created a strong group dynamic and rich exchange. American growers were remarkably welcoming, and new international connections were formed that will continue beyond this trip. For many, this journey was about more than gaining knowledge. It also built trust and created space for new collaborations to emerge.
What this trip reveals about OotF
This mission underscored the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration in a sector that is changing rapidly. By quite literally stepping into the chain together, participants not only gained new insights but also discovered concrete opportunities for innovation. Orchard of the Future brings technology companies to places where practice, context and people intersect. It is precisely there, where precision and scale meet, that the space emerges to make a real impact.
Read also the rest of the trip
Day 1, 7th of July 2025 >
Day 2, 8th of July 2025 >
Day 3, 9th of July 2025 >
Day 4, 10th of July 2025 >
Day 5, 11th of July 2025 >
