A new project is set to revolutionize the wine production industry by creating an open-source initiative for data integration. The Vineyard Information System for Technology and Automation (VISTA) aims to establish a standard for digital maps of commercial vineyards, enabling the deployment of automation and precision systems onto farms.
Supported by Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme and UKRI’s Transforming Food Production Challenge, the VISTA project will digitally map vineyards at the row and individual vine level. The project will begin by using JoJo’s Vineyard in Oxfordshire as a test site. The consortium leading the project consists of industry partners such as Agri-EPI Centre, Outfield Technologies, Antobot, Vinescapes, and the University of Lincoln.
Eliot Dixon, Head of Engineering at Agri-EPI Centre, emphasized the need for increased data integration in the agricultural industry to unlock the true potential of precision agriculture. He stated that VISTA aims to create a mapping standard that allows various technologies, such as robotics, drones, sensors, and decision support tools, to communicate and integrate their data effectively. This standard will provide maximum benefits for farmers across all sectors, not just viticulture.
The VISTA project will utilize drones, robots, and in-field sensors to monitor climate and weather, crop health, soil moisture, fruit counts, and fruit quality. The digital map created by VISTA will serve as the backbone for processing this data. In the second year of the project, the high-resolution VISTA map will be used to drive precision spraying systems and produce accurate pre-harvest yield maps for growers. These two use cases will showcase the flexibility and benefits of a high-resolution mapping standard for farms worldwide.
Ian Beecher-Jones, Co-owner of JoJo’s Vineyard, expressed his excitement about being the lead vineyard in the VISTA project. He believes that establishing a robust digital infrastructure is crucial for the efficient functioning of other viticultural technologies. The VISTA project builds upon the work achieved in the Innovate UK Viticulture 4.0 project, which highlighted the importance of a digital infrastructure for the industry.
Oli Hilbourne, CEO and Co-Founder at Outfield Technologies, highlighted the strength of UK innovation funding and the opportunity for the UK wine industry to set the international standard with VISTA. By collaborating with technology companies, growers, and academic partners, the project aims to solve specific industry challenges and drive increases in productivity.
The implications of the VISTA project are far-reaching. By creating an open standard for digital maps of vineyards, the project will enable the widespread adoption of automation and precision systems in the wine production industry. This will not only enhance productivity but also contribute to sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, the project has the potential to be extended to other sectors of agriculture, opening up new possibilities for data integration and technological advancements.
In conclusion, the VISTA project is set to transform the wine production industry by creating an open-source initiative for data integration. By establishing a standard for digital maps of vineyards, the project will pave the way for the deployment of automation and precision systems onto farms. The collaboration between industry partners and the support from government initiatives highlight the importance of digital infrastructure in modern agriculture. The implications of the VISTA project extend beyond viticulture, with the potential for its principles to be applied to other sectors of agriculture.