O'Higgins, Chile: artificial intelligence for export cherries

24 Mar 2025
630

Funded by the Innovation and Competitiveness Fund (FIC) of the Regional Government, a new project aims to improve planning and strengthen the position of cherry producers in the O’Higgins region, Chile, by providing objective and reliable data.

The O’Higgins region continues to be the main production and export hub for cherries in Chile, contributing approximately 47% to the national production. Municipalities such as San Fernando and Rengo lead in cultivated area.

To consolidate this leadership and face growing global competition, the University of O’Higgins has launched the project “4.0 Technology Transfer for Risk Management in the Cherry Value Chain in the O’Higgins Region”.

Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Serving Agriculture

The project introduces advanced technologies to overcome historical challenges such as the lack of detailed information for strategic decisions and the shortage of skilled labor.

Key innovations include LoRaWAN sensors, capable of detecting real-time critical variables such as temperature, humidity, and cold accumulation. This will allow producers to precisely adjust irrigation and harvest planning.

Additionally, drones and cameras equipped with computer vision systems will automate the counting of buds, flowers, and fruits, enabling accurate estimates of yield and cherry quality.

This will help not only to avoid errors in planning but also to improve negotiations with exporters by providing reliable and objective data.

A Technological Leap for Regional Producers

María de los Ángeles Rodríguez, researcher and project coordinator at the University of O’Higgins, described the initiative as a true “technological leap”.

She emphasized that the project will not only make advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer vision accessible but will also help small and medium producers compete with large operators, improving efficiency and quality.

“We want O’Higgins to continue being internationally recognized for its high-quality cherries and for our farmers to face climate and market challenges with cutting-edge tools,” she stated.

San Fernando and Rengo at the Forefront

The project will start in the municipalities of San Fernando and Rengo, where producers will benefit from precise and automated data to improve harvest quality and better address climate fluctuations.

This will allow them to maintain competitiveness in international markets.

With this initiative, the O’Higgins region not only strengthens its role as a leader in cherry production in Chile but also positions itself as an example of applying 4.0 technologies for modern, more efficient agriculture.

Source text and images: Redagricola


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

MaCrops-Lab proposes new microbial bio-inputs for root development and quality of sweet cherry trees

Tech management

03 Dec 2024

MaCrops-Lab has conducted evaluations of its products in commercial orchards in the municipality of Gorbea, with positive results such as increased nutrient solubilization and root mass development, frost protection, better stress tolerance, and improved health.

Development of new sour cherry varieties at the Julius Kühn-Institut in Dresden-Pillnitz

Breeding Varieties

04 Dec 2023

Eight new cultivars have already been released since 2001, 'Jade', Achat', 'Spinell', 'Turmalin', 'Taurus', 'Rubellit', 'Jachim', and 'Boas'. Two new breeding clones are currently in multi-site testing and 87 clones are in stage II evaluation.

In evidenza

Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards in Washington State: growers speak out

Crop protection

22 Aug 2025

Little Cherry Disease (LCD) is damaging cherry orchards across Washington State, with growers reporting severe losses. Tree removals and bitter, undersized fruit are symptoms of this threat—comparable to citrus greening (HLB) in Florida’s citrus industry.

Organic fertilizers and compost: sustainable growth in organic orchards in Puglia

Tech management

22 Aug 2025

In Puglia, research on organic orchards highlights how compost and organic fertilizers boost yield, improve soil health, and enhance plant resilience. A sustainable approach that supports Mediterranean organic farming while delivering environmental and agronomic benefits.

Tag Popolari