Bulb Revolution 4.0 (Bollenrevolutie 4.0)
Dutch Initiative focused on precision agriculture and technological developments in the bulb-growing sector
Description
The Bulb Revolution 4.0 programme was supported under ”Vision Vitale Teelt 2030” (Vital Cultivation Vision 2030) – the Dutch flower bulb sector's sustainability strategy – with the involvement of farmers, mechanization companies and technical researchers, and promoting the use of precision agriculture solutions in the flower bulb sector. Activities within the programme were grouped under five work packages: 1) BULBS 4.0 in the field, involving the development of an autonomous machine with multiple roles, but with particular focus on disease detection; 2) BULBS 4.0 in the barn related to processing operations, looking into methodologies for the detection of diseased or abnormal bulbs; 3) data management, assessing the need for monitoring and analysis within bulb cultivation operations and building an inventory of possible solutions and systems; 4) demonstration activities, involving engagements with entrepreneurs with a view to improving processes, garnering support and raising awareness; and 5) communications and project management, promoting the adoption of the Innovation Circle methodology already being used for interactions with entrepreneurs. The programme also explored solutions to the labour shortage, addressing the need for workers to carry out the intensive tasks in the field and shed during peak times.
Technology
The programme has made use of a large variety of digital technologies, from field-level applications to supply chain management solutions. In the shed, cameras are used to collect data that is then used for the automatic identification of bulbs. The cameras capture images that are then shared with a centralized platform and subjected to software analyses a. Both common and multi-spectrum cameras are employed for the identification of diseases in the field, while a dedicated software system gathers weather information and field data from sensors (on temperature, sunlight and rainfall) that are compares it with the crop growth models developed by Wageningen University & Research for a prediction of crop growth. Ultimately, it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to suggest the optimal harvest time. Under the first work package, robotics have been applied to the development of an autonomously driving machine with multiple roles, but with primary focus on disease detection.
Target
The programme participants were primarily farmers, mechanization companies and technical researchers. Farmers had the opportunity to test the digital solutions developed by the private sector with support from research institution experts. The programme has supported the dissemination of information among the farming community, and promoted the adoption of precision farming practices.
Business model
The programme is funded through contributions from the Innovation Funds of BKD. Economic Board Greenport Duin & Bollenstreek and Rabobank Bollenstreek
Impact
Precision agriculture is highlighted as a key solution in the Vital Cultivation of Flower Bulbs 2030 Vision (the Dutch flower bulb sector's strategy for a sustainable future). The Bulb Revolution 4.0 project has facilitated the implementation and dissemination of knowledge through the involvement of companies, innovation circles and the farming community, the latter of which can install and test the offered digital solutions. The project has also targeted the dissemination of knowledge of the offered techniques and technologies, thus enhancing the sector in support of the Vital Cultivation vision.
Partners
KAVB; Anthos; Wageningen University & Research (WUR); Cremer Speciaalmachines BV; Machinefabriek Steketee BV; Agrisim BV; BKD. Economic Board Greenport Duin & Bollenstreek; Rabobank Bollenstreek
Four Betters
Better production
