Key Takeaways:
- The produce industry is leveraging technology to adapt to changing conditions and improve sustainability
- Ag tech is helping farmers prepare for the future with innovations like precision weeding technology and GMOs
- Apps are reducing food waste by connecting retailers with consumers and nonprofits
- Technology is being used to deter copper theft on farms and protect equipment
- Consumers are becoming more open to GMOs and bioengineered produce
Introduction to Ag Tech
The year 2025 was not all doom and gloom, especially when it came to the produce industry. Despite the challenges faced by farmers and producers, there were many hopeful and helpful stories about the ways in which the industry is growing and adapting to changing conditions. The Packer’s technology coverage highlighted many of these stories, showcasing the innovative ways in which ag tech is being used to arm growers for the realities of tomorrow. One such example is the story of FarmWise, a company that specializes in precision weeding technology. In mid-March, The Packer’s Jennifer Strailey spoke with FarmWise CEO Tjarko Leifer about the company’s restructuring and its plans for the future. This new chapter for FarmWise involved being acquired by Taylor Farms, which had previously implemented FarmWise’s Vulcan technology and seen a reduction in its weeding costs of nearly $550,000 as a result.
Reducing Food Waste with Apps
In late August, The Packer’s Jill Dutton explored the ways in which apps are changing the way retailers deal with unsold food items approaching their sell-by dates, thereby preventing food waste. The three food waste-reducing apps featured in the story are Too Good To Go and Flashfood, both of which connect retailers with individual consumers in need of lower-cost options, and Careit, which connects retailers to nonprofits and community organizations in their areas for food donations. These apps have the potential to not only reduce food waste but also benefit retailers financially. As one source noted, "The ability to sell more product, even at a discounted price, suggests greater food access could be achieved while recouping previously lost revenue." Additionally, these apps can enable more accurate forecasting, facilitate coordination of logistics, and optimize inventory management, preventing food from going to waste throughout the supply chain.
A Visceral Type of Technology
For a long time, consumers have been wary of GMO foods, but this may be changing. In early September, Strailey spoke with Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Healthy Produce, the company behind the Empress Purple Tomato, which is bioengineered to have more antioxidants. Pumplin noted that consumers are hungry for change and starting to see through the past bad publicity surrounding GMOs. When the first GMOs were launched, they were marketed to farmers, who quickly adopted them as a solution to many problems. However, consumers were not given the opportunity to engage with GMOs in the food system, which led to a lack of understanding and acceptance. But this is changing, with 80% of consumers surveyed by Norfolk Healthy Produce expressing interest in trying the purple GMO tomato.
Technology in Defense of Tech
In late October, The Packer’s Christina Herrick did a deep dive on a device designed to deter copper theft called Cop-R-Lock. The brainchild of a former law enforcement official and customizable farming automation company Farmblox, the Cop-R-Lock device aims to reduce or eliminate the costly issue of copper thefts on farms. The device works much like a home security system, with a wire wrapped around and inside the irrigation system’s conduit. When cut by a potential copper thief, an alarm goes off, texting the grower and alerting local law enforcement. This technology has the potential to save farmers thousands of dollars in equipment repairs and crop losses due to lack of irrigation.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
These stories represent just a few of the top tech stories covered by The Packer in 2025. As the produce industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing conditions, it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses of technology in the future. From precision weeding and GMOs to apps reducing food waste and devices deterring copper theft, technology is playing an increasingly important role in the industry. As we look to 2026 and beyond, it will be exciting to see how these technologies continue to develop and shape the future of the produce industry. With the potential to improve sustainability, reduce waste, and increase efficiency, the future of ag tech looks bright.