In a landmark move for the agricultural industry, Garford Farm Machinery and RootWave have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop cutting-edge weeding technology. The collaboration aims to integrate electrical weeding into precision-guided toolbar systems, targeting both high-value, high-intensity crops and broadacre arable applications. This agreement promises to revolutionize weed management practices in the UK and beyond, introducing a new era of sustainable agriculture.
Garford Farm Machinery, a UK-based manufacturer renowned for its technologically advanced mechanical weed control products, brings over 20 years of expertise in precision hoeing to the table. The company has been a pioneer in the field, with notable innovations such as the Robocrop Vision Guidance System and the compact hydraulic side shift mechanism. These advancements have cemented Garford’s reputation as a leader in precision mechanical weed control, offering farmers tools that ensure accurate and efficient weed management.
On the other hand, RootWave, based in Warwickshire, specializes in electrical weed control technology. Their system uses electricity to boil weeds and their roots, making it a highly effective, non-chemical solution that is compatible with both organic and regenerative farming systems. RootWave’s patented high-frequency alternating current is significantly safer than the direct current typically used in electrical weed control, providing a safer and more efficient alternative.
The new eWeeding technology born from this partnership promises to deliver cost-effective, high-performance solutions that offer both financial and environmental benefits. By integrating RootWave’s electrical weeding technology with Garford’s precision-guided systems, the collaboration aims to support better quality crops that do not have to compete with weeds. According to Garford, the estimated costs of using the eWeeding technology range from £55 to £120 per hectare, which is significantly lower than the costs associated with chemical herbicides.
Andrew Diprose, CEO of RootWave, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Combining forces with Garford allows us to create a formidable solution for the industry, combining best-in-class power electronics, imaging, and artificial intelligence to create an unrivalled weed control solution for vegetables, cereals, and row-crops. It will alleviate the worries of farmers who are faced with an uncertain future where they don’t know if herbicides will be available, or will even be effective due to safety and resistance issues.”
Jonathan Henry, Managing Director of Garford, echoed Diprose’s sentiments, highlighting the increasing regulatory controls over chemical weed management and the growing issue of herbicide resistance. “We are incredibly excited to pair Garford’s vast experience in precision guided hoes with RootWave’s world-leading expertise in power electronics. With the increasingly stringent controls over the use of chemical weed management, alongside resistance issues, we can support UK and global agriculture as it embraces its environmental responsibilities. Combining our technologically advanced precision guided weed control solutions with the benefits of RootWave’s high-frequency alternating current electrical weeding technology, we can create commercially viable and effective solutions for growers as a key part of a sustainable, integrated weed management system.”
The partnership between Garford and RootWave is set to be a game-changer for the agricultural industry, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional chemical herbicides. Farmers and industry stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn more about this groundbreaking technology at the upcoming World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in London, where RootWave is a Gold partner. The event, scheduled for September 30 to October 1, will provide a platform for attendees to connect with the team and explore the future of weed management.
This collaboration not only marks a significant advancement in agricultural technology but also underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, innovations like eWeeding technology offer a promising path forward, ensuring that agriculture can meet the demands of the future while preserving the planet for generations to come.