Flavorite
High tech greenhouse production and staff innovations
Lead partner: Flavorite Hydroponic Tomatoes
Projects
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Design and implement research trials to assess the impact of automated pollination on crop quality, quantity, labor costs, and management efficiency.
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Design and Implement Research Trials to assess the impact of automated spraying practices.
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Design and implement research trials to assess the impact of automated packaging
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Develop software platform to track staff training compliance and competency.
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Design and implement research trials to assess the impact of reusing perlite growing media
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Conduct literature review of supplemental LED lighting for Australian conditions, and develop a trial informed economic simulation model to support grower decision making.
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Design and implement research trials to assess the impact of automated harvesting
Project progress
Automated pollination technology
Automated pollination units have now progressed to full commercialisation, with more units on order for deployment across Flavorite’s three tomato growing sites. Trials confirmed consistent pollination, improved fruit set, and strong labour savings. For the first time, tomato growers have access to a commercially available automated pollination system delivering cost-effective, consistent, and high-quality results.
Automated spraying technology
Automated spraying units have advanced from advanced from pilot testing to operational deployment at the Warragul site. Results demonstrated spray coverage and reliability equal to or better than manual spraying, with significant safety improvements achieved through reduced chemical exposure and manual handling.
Automated packing and grading technology
An automated packing and grading line has been installed and is undergoing calibration. Software upgrades and algorithm redesign are underway to address complex processing issues and improve grading accuracy. The new approach focuses on teaching the system “what good looks like” rather than assessing defects, with phase-one testing scheduled for early November.
Training compliance software
The training compliance software has been integrated at the Warragul site, digitising staff management, and training compliance processes. HR teams are currently being trained in system functionality to enable rollout across Flavorite’s five sites. Once implemented, the platform will serve as the central system for managing staff compliance and competency, significantly reducing risks associated with untrained staff.
LED lighting
The LED lighting trial at Flavorite’s Tatura greenhouse continued to generate crop yield and energy-use datasets, supporting the development of an AHR-led economic simulation in partnership with Philips and Flavorite. Further literature analysis identified key factors influencing LED performance under Australian conditions, informing the simulation’s structure and assumptions.
