In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the landscape of specialty crop farming, equipment manufacturer CNH has announced a multi-phase partnership with autonomous farming startup Bluewhite. This collaboration aims to integrate Bluewhite’s cutting-edge autonomous technology with tractors produced by New Holland, a leading brand under CNH. The enhanced tractors will be capable of operating autonomously in orchards, vineyards, and other specialty crop environments, marking a significant leap forward in agricultural innovation.
The partnership, which has been years in the making, leverages the strengths of both companies. Bluewhite’s chief business officer, Alon Ascher, highlighted the synergy between the two entities: “New Holland was a natural choice for collaboration as the leading OEM for the orchard and vineyard equipment sector, but it was our shared values and joint commitment to innovation that forged the long-term partnership we have today.”
Bluewhite’s approach to autonomous farming is both innovative and practical. Rather than manufacturing new tractors, the company retrofits existing machines with its proprietary system, which employs computer vision, AI, and advanced navigation technologies. Founder Ben Alfi has previously described the retrofitting process as akin to assembling an IKEA product. “In the morning, it’s a regular tractor. Two dealership workers can transform it in 14 hours. At the end of the day, the tractor is autonomous,” he noted in an earlier interview with AgFunderNews.
This collaboration will see New Holland and Bluewhite working together on the manufacturing, distribution, and integration of Bluewhite’s technology into New Holland tractors. The result will be a fleet of tractors capable of operating fully autonomously, a development that promises to bring numerous benefits to growers.
For New Holland customers, the introduction of autonomous technology is expected to yield consistent, precise, and timely farming operations while significantly reducing human error and worker fatigue. Ascher emphasized the safety benefits, noting that autonomous systems can minimize the need for workers to handle dangerous machinery and reduce the exposure to harmful chemicals. This precision in application not only enhances worker safety but also contributes to food safety by reducing the reliance on chemical crop protection solutions.
Moreover, the implementation of autonomous technology is poised to create new job opportunities within the agricultural sector. Bluewhite’s mission to build a more resilient agricultural sector through increased productivity and efficiency is well-aligned with this partnership. Ascher stated, “Our partnership with CNH is a milestone in achieving that mission and will enable growers around the world to have access to our transformational technology, starting in North America.”
The timing of this partnership is particularly significant given the labor challenges faced by the specialty crop sector. Specialty crops, which include fruits, tree nuts, vegetables, beans, and horticulture crops, represent only about 10% of US farm operations but incur the highest labor costs. Recent USDA data indicates that labor costs for specialty crops account for 40% of total cash expenses for a farm, compared to just 4% for corn and 3% for soybeans. California, which produces around 70% of US fruits and vegetables, is experiencing acute labor shortages, making autonomous technology an urgent necessity.
A report from Western Growers last year revealed that 70% of US specialty crop growers are now investing in various autonomous technologies to support their operations. Bluewhite’s precision spraying capabilities, introduced in 2024, address rising costs and environmental concerns by reducing chemical drift and water usage through targeted application.
The CNH-Bluewhite partnership represents a pivotal moment for the specialty crop sector, offering a viable solution to labor shortages and operational inefficiencies. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the integration of autonomous technology promises to enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability, paving the way for a more resilient future in farming.