New Zealand invests in agritech to boost apple productivity

The New Zealand government is funding a research program to enhance productivity and profitability in the apple industry through advanced scanning technology. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced that the government will invest $1.84 million via the Primary Sector Growth Fund toward the initiative.

The project, led by Auckland-based agritech company Hectre, is a $4.6 million three-year program. It aims to develop hyperspectral imaging technology, which uses light-based scanning to inspect the interior of fruit without cutting it. This allows for real-time assessment of maturity, starch content, and firmness during the packing and storage processes.

By providing data on internal defects and quality, the technology is intended to help exporters make better decisions regarding storage and shipping, ultimately reducing waste and ensuring fruit reaches markets in optimal condition. The program targets an 80 percent detection accuracy by June 2027, with a commercial prototype expected by June 2028.