A combination of challenges beyond the industry’s control in the United Kingdom, has created significant challenges for the fresh produce sector. The shortage of seasonal workers, which has been exacerbated by Brexit, has left many farmers struggling to find the labour they need to plant, grow, and harvest their crops. This has created a range of new business opportunities for robotic and automation companies, who can provide the solutions that farmers need to keep their operations running smoothly.

"The shortage of seasonal workers in the UK is a serious business challenge for many of our members,” said Nigel Jenney, CEO of The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), the UK trade association for the fresh fruit, vegetable and cut flower sectors. ”They are very interested in learning more about how automation can keep their operations running.”

HowToRobot is collaborating with the FPC in the UK to help farms and other fresh produce businesses explore their automation options and find suppliers and solutions. The FPC encourages suppliers with relevant solutions to make themselves known to its members and to consider taking part at FPC Future in March.

“Many of our members businesses are dipping their toes into the robot and automation industry for the first time and are seeking advice on where and how to begin and what solutions are available to them,” said Nigel Jenney.

Read article: Why one UK farm is now looking for seeding and weeding robots

Increasing interest in solutions from abroad

Robot and automation companies in HowToRobot’s network are already seeing an increasing interest from farmers in the UK looking for various types of solutions – for example for seeding crops. As the market for agricultural automation is still in its early days, it is often difficult for fresh produce businesses to find suppliers and technologies locally.

“The fresh produce businesses in the UK often have to look for automation suppliers abroad to find the solutions they need. This creates new businesses opportunities for suppliers serving this sector, even if they are not located in the UK,” said Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot.

To meet the growing demand, the FPC is expanding its special section on robotics and automation at its annual event FPC Future – the leading innovation show for the UK’s fresh produce sector. The event will take place on March 16, 2023, in Peterborough, UK, and will bring together HowToRobot and some of the top robotics and automation companies from around the world. The event will draw local and international attendees from the fresh produce sector, such as growers and packers, that are looking for the latest technologies to future-proof their businesses.

”We are excited about the opportunities that are opening up in the fresh produce sector in the UK,” said Søren Peters. ”FPC Future is an ideal forum for potential buyers and suppliers to meet and explore new business opportunities.”

Learn more about FPC Future and how to become an exhibitor