Path to Automation: Priorities, Barriers, and Bottom Lines
Automation is often framed as an all-or-nothing leap, yet true operational resilience comes from integrating technology that matches specific scale and commercial goals. This session moves beyond the "high-tech" hype to examine how growers and technology providers can align on systems that actually improve the bottom line. Through concrete case studies, we will explore where automation has succeeded, where it has failed, and how growers set priorities amidst the real-world barriers to application. The discussion provides a practical roadmap for identifying high-impact innovation and ensuring that "future-ready" systems build bankability rather than operational risk.
KEY DISCUSSION THEMES:
The Prioritization Framework: How growers evaluate which manual processes are ready for automation and which should remain human-centric to maintain flexibility.
Barriers to Entry: Addressing the real-world obstacles, from capital expenditure and technical integration to workforce upskilling, that slow down adoption.
Case Studies in Reality: Candid insights into "lessons learned" from projects where automation didn't meet expectations and why.
From "Gadget" to System: Shifting the focus from isolated technology purchases to cohesive, data-driven environments that support long-term ROI.
Bankability & Risk: How a well-planned automation strategy changes the risk profile of a CEA operation for investors and insurers.
Speakers
Adrian is the Co founder and President of Roelands Plant Farms a vegetable plant propagation greenhouse located in Lambton Shores, Ontario, Canada.
Born and raised in the heart of the Dutch Westland, Renko Schuil has been immersed in fresh food production from an early age. His career in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry spans over two decades, during which he has gained extensive expertise across various facets of the sector. From hardware and growing systems to climate control, lighting, logistics, and automation, Renko has developed a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between these key components. His broad experience enables him to take a holistic approach, helping growers and industry leaders optimize their operations with innovative solutions.
Renko is now representing TTA-ISO as Sales Manager Food. At TTA-ISO, ‘Food’ refers to all edible and medicinal crops grown in controlled environments, from high-tech greenhouses to fully enclosed vertical farms. With a strong focus on plant handling and processing, TTA-ISO applies its 25+ years of expertise in robotics and automation to develop turnkey solutions that improve efficiency and consistency in indoor farming.