Our expertise

From building healthy soils and sustainable production through to postharvest management and data science, our team have the technical expertise

Production

We specialise in translating the latest research into actionable strategies for farmers and agronomists to improve crop production. As well as conducting our own research projects, we also test and apply scientific advancements on farm settings.

  • AHR works with growers to advance innovations in managing their land to improve soil health.

  • AHR collaborates closely with industry and growers to research and disseminate the latest developments in pest and disease management, ensuring that the most effective and innovative solutions reach the horticultural community.

  • AHR researches and shares the latest advancements in nutrition management, ensuring that cutting-edge practices and technologies are implemented to optimise crop health and yield.

  • AHR helps growers to understand and implement efficient water-use strategies that enhance crop yields and support sustainable horticulture.

Postharvest

Our postharvest experts understand the importance of looking after a crop once it’s out of the ground to bring heathier, more appealing products to market.

Our projects range from postharvest pests, diseases, and disorders, to the latest development in storage and packaging, and all parts of the supply chain.

  • AHR collaborates with industry and growers to research and address postharvest diseases and disorders, providing the latest insights and strategies to preserve crop quality and extend shelf life.

  • AHR researches and communicates the latest strategies to maintain crop quality and reduce losses during storage.

  • AHR partners with industry and growers to enhance supply chain management, focusing on the latest innovations to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality produce.

Sustainability

We are dedicated to helping growers thrive while minimising their environmental impact. We offer practical solutions and expert guidance on sustainable farming practices, including soil health management, water conservation, and energy-efficient technologies. Our goal is to support farmers in adopting methods that enhance productivity and resilience while preserving natural resources.

  • AHR is committed to advancing sustainable water use on farms by developing and promoting innovative water management practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship and long-term resource conservation.

  • AHR helps growers address the impacts of climate change, researching and implementing strategies that help growers adapt to shifting conditions, and thus ensuring resilience and sustainability in horticultural practices.

Data science

We combine our team’s years of experience and domain knowledge with our data science capabilities to generate state-of-the-art solutions for different applications. 

  • The first step of our process is capturing the right data at the right time. We create specially tailored mobile applications to capture data for our projects, which allows us to automatically validate it, minimise input and transcription errors, and have real-time access to it.  

  • We create unique, interactive dashboards to present real-time insights, visualising key project metrics. These dashboards enable our internal and external stakeholders to make data-driven decisions quickly and enhance operational efficiency.  

  • We use modern computer vision techniques and domain expertise to automate research workflows and develop innovative products. This improves consistency, reduces bias, and helps us scale our work more effectively.

  • We use LiDAR and sensor technology to capture detailed 3D views of production environments. Combined with other geo-referenced data, this enables us to create digital twins, monitor production in high detail, and generate valuable insights for our projects.

  • We use large language models and relevant knowledge sources to build accurate, adaptable chatbots that scale efficiently and reduce hallucinations (coherent responses that are actually false).

Communication and extension

  • Effective communication is fundamental to all AHR project outputs. AHR also leads programs delivering communication to the mushroom, potato and vegetable industries.

  • Extension is a key component of AHR’s approach. Our team provides targeted support and knowledge transfer to many industries, ensuring that research findings are understood and effectively applied.

  • Training is essential in driving uptake of innovation. AHR and partners deliver tailored educational programs to multiple industries, equipping growers with the skills and knowledge needed to implement the latest research and innovations effectively.

We are dedicated to clear and effective communication, ensuring that our findings and recommendations are accessible and useful. By prioritising the practical application of science and fostering strong connections with industry stakeholders, AHR is committed to supporting the growers.

International projects

We collaborate with partners around the world to address diverse horticultural challenges, from improving crop resilience and yield in varying climates to enhancing postharvest practices and sustainable farming methods.

  • Through the CGIAR program, AHR works with growers in Benin and Tanzania.

  • Through multiple ACIAR projects, AHR works with growers in the Philippines and Vietnam.

  • Through the CGIAR program, AHR works with growers Sri Lanka; and via the Australian Avocado project, with the supply chain industry in India.