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Berry grower Angus Soft Fruits is reaping the rewards after introducing robotics to the growing process of its produce during one of the hottest summers on record.

For the past two years, its grower co-operative Angus Growers has partnered with Saga Robotics to deploy Thorvald robots across local farms.

This year’s hot and dry weather followed by humid conditions resulted in increased pressure from powdery mildew – a fungal disease that thrives in warm, damp environments.

But wit the help of the robots, fruit quality has been protected and the supplier has seen a boost in yields.

When the sun goes down, the robots deliver targeted ultraviolet-C (UVC) light treatment to the berry plants.  The UVC light disrupts the DVA of powdery mildew spores, effectively controlling the disease without the use of traditional fungicides.

Angela Porchez, general manager at Angus Growers, said the climate is always a challenge for growers but the mildew has become a serious threat this year.

“By using robots to deliver UV treatment, we’ve been able to manage this without relying solely on chemicals,” said Ms Porchez.

“It not only protects crop quality, but it also helps reduce input costs and supports our long-term sustainability goals.

“Importantly, the technology has also improved plant health and yields, which is vital for grower returns in such a competitive marketplace.”

The co-operative is also exploring new technology for smaller tunnel systems and trialling drones for a suite of applications, including precision pollination to improve yields, logistics and cleaning polytunnels to maximise vital light levels.

This sits alongside long-standing work on carbon audits, renewable energy and developing 100% recyclable packaging.

Ms Porchez added: “Robotics, drones and data are all becoming part of how we think about the future of beery production.

“We see these technologies not as replacements for people, but as tools that can help us farm more sustainably, improve forecasting and tackle challenges that are only going to increase with climate change.”

The commitment to modern farming by Angus Soft Fruits was recently recognised when it won the Business Innovation Award at the Scottish Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

Amanda Brown, programme director of Scotland Food & Drink, said: “with our sector valued at £15 billion and supporting 120,000 jobs across the country, its future success depends on meeting challenges like climate change head-on.

“That’s why Angus Soft Fruits is such a fantastic example.  They show how innovation can help secure the future of one of Scotland’s most important sectors.”

This article appeared in The Courier Farming supplement on 20 September 2025