The Precision Horticulture Programme was launched this year. It is a form of horticulture in which plants receive precisely the treatment they need.
In traditional horticulture, what happens is usually determined on the greenhouse scale, whereas in Precision Horticulture the need is determined per square metre or even per plant. This enables the grower to generate maximum yields in terms of quality and quantity, predictability and sustainability with minimal losses at the local level with minimal inputs (fertilisers, crop protection products, energy and plant material).
Precision Horticulture uses advanced technology such as location recognition, sensors to observe crop characteristics and applications to perform precision crop and dosing operations.
Artificial intelligence is used to establish relationships between observations and desired action. The programme was launched under the Horticulture and Breeding sector and consists of a collection of projects for developing the necessary technology and applications.
