A $17 million robotics project will trial human assist prototypes in New Zealand vineyards this winter, as well as a virtual reality system to train pruners.
Covid-19 has escalated the need for greater automated solutions within vineyards, orchards and farms, says Nicky Molloy, Business Innovation Manager for Agritech at Callaghan Innovation.
An autonomous vineyard tractor developed in Marlborough is a "game changer" for the wine industry, says Pernod Ricard Winemakers' Transformation Director Alex Kahl.
Swapping microscopes in the neuroscience lab for microscopes in the barrel hall was not exactly a considered pathway for Dr John Harris and Dr Marilyn Duxson.
Nelson was dealt a significantly low fruit set and crop this year, says Andrew Greenhough, with yields of Greenhough Vineyards' home block down by 30 to 40 percent.
Dry River Wines has always been aptly named, but is especially so now, says Winemaker Wilco Lam, with vintage 2021 highlighting the industry's dire need for drought tolerant rootstocks.
It takes pluck to start a wine company in the wake of Covid-19. But three women under 30 have done just that, starting Three Fates Wine in the Hawke's Bay.