At Rice Fruit, automation and technology are at the core of apple harvest

In the heart of Adams County, PA, the 2023 apple harvest is in full swing, and modernization is evident at every step of the process. Over the last decade, innovation and technology have transformed how growers harvest America’s favorite fruit.

Honeycrisp, a variety that has captured the hearts of many and left cash registers ringing, stands at the forefront of this remarkable evolution, setting new standards for fresh apple production. It’s one of many newer apple varieties that requires careful handling from spring bloom to grocery store shelves, revealing how innovation and technology are reshaping the industry.

In the fields, the traditional image of an apple picker precariously perched on a ladder is becoming obsolete, thanks to cutting-edge advancements.

Today, you will see an apple picker standing on a harvest platform instead of a standard ladder. This innovative platform introduces a new level of efficiency to the delicate art of apple picking. The platform can automate its speed as it moves down the row, syncing perfectly with the picker’s pace. It’s a harmonious dance between man and machine, streamlining the process.

“The safety and well-being of workers is paramount,” said Brenda Briggs, vice president of sales and marketing. “With the new technology, harvest workers are securely harnessed to the platform, eliminating the need to carry and maneuver heavy ladders while juggling fruit.”

This ingenious solution allows one group to focus on the upper branches while another handles the lower ones, resulting in a faster, more efficient harvest that keeps picking crews fresh and energized throughout the day.

This groundbreaking equipment, versatile enough to be used year-round for tasks like pruning and thinning, exemplifies the commitment to efficiency and employee welfare.

With a large crop anticipated for this season, the work and advancement continue beyond the field level. Once delivered to the facility, the apples undergo rigorous quality testing and inspection. Rice Fruit does this by scanning every truckload of fruit at receipt. Quality models are produced through advanced software, giving invaluable insight into color patterns, maturity, and other factors that dictate how and when the fruit is stored and packed.

“Automation and innovation are not mere buzzwords for us, they are guiding principles,” said Briggs.

To keep up with rising labor costs, growers are investing in practical innovations that streamline production. These investments have improved the way fruit is stored, packed and marketed, ensuring that retailers receive high-quality fruit while sustainability and worker safety are maintained.

Join the Rice Fruit team at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show and witness the 110-year-old legacy company firsthand. Visit booth No. 1457 to discover why Rice Fruit Company is the top choice for discerning customers who value quality, sustainability, and the taste of an authentic apple.