In a surprising turn of events, U.S.-based robotics company FarmWise has announced it will be winding down its operations in the coming weeks. Despite making significant strides in precision weeding technology and cultivation, the company has struggled to achieve profitability with the resources it has raised. This news comes as a shock to many in the agritech industry, who had high hopes for FarmWise’s innovative approach to farming.
FarmWise gained recognition for its Vulcan implement, a cutting-edge technology that specializes in precision weeding, cultivation, and thinning. The Vulcan system has been adopted by lettuce and brassica growers in California’s coastal regions and Arizona’s vegetable crop markets. More recently, FarmWise expanded into California’s Central Valley, targeting the processing tomato market. The technology has demonstrated significant savings and efficiency gains, with one grower reporting a 38% reduction in per-acre weeding costs for romaine lettuce and a 15% reduction for broccoli in one season. Additionally, 64% of their acreage no longer required cultivator passes, resulting in lower fuel consumption and reduced field wear. The machine achieved an impressive weeding rate of up to 100 acres per week, with an efficiency of 1-3 acres per hour, all while maintaining high weed removal quality.
Despite these successes, CEO Tjarko Leifer told U.S. publication The Packer that the company needed more time and investment to scale and drive wider adoption. Broader macroeconomic challenges have also impacted investment in agricultural equipment. “If you are a 120-year-old company, it is a cyclical downturn. If you are a startup, it’s a much steeper hill to climb with limited resources,” Leifer explained. FarmWise’s three-bed, 80-inch largest Vulcan unit had an MSRP of U.S. $645,000, with an additional U.S. $45,000 annual service and support package. According to Leifer, the savings generated by the unit meant it could pay for itself in under 2 years.
As FarmWise prepares to wind down operations by April 1, the company has reassured customers that it remains committed to providing service and spare parts during the transition. However, the company is also actively exploring strategic options, including acquisition, partnerships, or a technology transfer to ensure the Vulcan platform continues to thrive. “The Vulcan has helped growers operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and take meaningful steps toward a more automated and resilient future of farming,” the FarmWise team stated in a LinkedIn announcement. “We’re optimistic that the FarmWise technology will continue to live on and grow in the hands of the right partner.”
The challenges of scaling ag robotics startups are well-documented, and FarmWise is not the first company to struggle with this issue. In September 2024, FarmWise entered into an agreement with RDO Equipment, a major John Deere dealer, which became the exclusive distributor and service provider for the Vulcan weeder. At the time, Pauline Canteneur, Head of Partnerships & Marketing at FarmWise, highlighted the challenges of scaling ag robotics startups: “It is not news that the Ag Robotics space has been crowded with established startups and newcomers alike. How these companies can scale and be turned into long-lasting profitable businesses is a central question in our industry.” FarmWise saw partnerships with established dealer networks as a crucial step toward long-term viability.
Whether the Vulcan technology finds a new home under a different company remains to be seen, but discussions with potential partners and investors are ongoing. The agritech industry will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds, and what it means for the future of precision agriculture. The winding down of FarmWise serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by startups in the agritech sector, and the importance of securing sufficient investment and partnerships to achieve long-term success.