From large-scale packing to innovation in the field
On Thursday 10 July, day 4 of the Orchard of the Future US trip took tech companies from an impressive packing line to an organic orchard, and from applied research in the field to the stands of a local baseball game. Growers, researchers and processors shared their views on scale, cultivation, protection and innovation. All with the same underlying question in mind. How do we make systems smarter and future-proof, without losing sight of the realities of today?
Scale makes impact visible at Double Diamond Fruit
The day started at Double Diamond Fruit, one of the region’s largest cherry and apple packing facilities. The continuous stream of fresh fruit along the lines and the sheer scale of operations made an impression. Not only in terms of volume but also in terms of organisation and food safety standards. For Dutch tech companies, this was a strong example of how scale and precision go hand in hand and where opportunities lie for automation, inspection and logistical optimisation. On the way to the next stop, the group paused briefly at a scenic viewpoint, overlooking the vast landscape that once again illustrated the scale of this sector.
Organic cultivation calls for smart protection
The group then visited the orchards of Zirkle Fruit, where 80 percent of the production is organic. The focus here was on Integrated Pest Management, with a clear philosophy. A healthy plant is more resilient to pests. By strengthening the ecosystem and using natural predators, chemical control is reduced as much as possible. This approach requires new tools for monitoring and detection, an area where Dutch technology can connect effectively.
Pear Field Day brings practice and innovation together
In the afternoon, the group joined the Pear Field Day, a field event attended by around fifty local growers. The university organised demonstrations and comparative trials focused on drift control, spraying techniques and blossom thinning. It is a strong example of how knowledge is actively shared with growers in the US and how field data and demonstrations directly support innovation. For tech companies, this is the kind of environment where their solutions can become visible and valuable.
Relaxation strengthens connection
The day ended on a lighter note with a visit to an Applesox baseball game. A relaxed close to an intensive day, with conversations continuing in the stands and connections growing stronger. Orchard of the Future believes that informal moments are not separate from content, but actually strengthen trust and collaboration.
Day 4 shows how OotF connects technology to real-world practice
This day underscored the importance for tech companies of looking beyond the grower and understanding the system around them. From sorting to spraying and from IPM to education, each step in the chain holds potential for innovation. OotF helps companies recognise those opportunities and position technology not just as a product, but as a practical solution.
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 5, 11th of July 2025 >
