Where fruit growing and technology come together in practice
Within NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood, WUR Open Field Crops Randwijk is used as a test and validation location for innovations in fruit growing. At the Fruit Research Centre Randwijk, located in the Betuwe region, the complexity of orchard systems, crops and technology comes together in one environment. The diversity in varieties, cultivation systems and conditions makes it possible to assess innovations not only on a technical level, but especially in how they perform within the full production system.
Here, it becomes clear how data, automation and digitalisation contribute to a future-proof fruit growing sector. In this way, WUR Open Field Crops Randwijk plays an important role within innovation package Open Field Crops and the broader Handsfree Agrifood ecosystem.
The orchard as a realistic testing environment
With approximately 18 hectares of orchards and more than 200 mini orchards, the Randwijk location reflects real-world practice in all its variation. Apple and pear production form the core, complemented by small fruit and stone fruit, both in conventional and organic systems.
This diversity ensures that technologies are tested under a wide range of conditions. Not in a controlled setting, but in an environment where differences in soil, variety and cultivation approach directly influence performance. This makes the location essential for improving, broadening and accelerating innovations towards practical application.
Three technological tracks that make fruit growing more predictable and precise
Fruit growing involves significant variation within a single plot , especially because the average fruit tree is expected to last more than 10 years. Growth and flowering influence each other, meaning a fruit tree can easily become unbalanced. Differences in growth, fruit set and quality require a different approach than managing based on averages. That is why Randwijk focuses on technologies that make this variation visible and translate it into targeted actions in the orchard. By combining data, automation and simulation, a way of working emerges in which decisions become increasingly precise and predictable.
Precision fruit growing and data-driven optimisation
Sensors, cameras and AI are used to map the orchard at tree level. Variations in growth, health and yield become visible, supporting more informed decisions on thinning, crop protection and harvest planning.
Automation and autonomous field systems
The location offers space to test robotics and autonomous machines for tasks such as monitoring, mowing, weed control, harvesting and pruning. Testing these applications in combination provides insight into how labour can be reduced and processes can be organised more efficiently.
Digital twins and 3D simulation
Digital models of orchard systems make it possible to simulate scenarios in advance. In a sector where many processes are seasonal, this allows development to continue beyond limited time windows and accelerates innovation towards real-world application.
From field data to quality assessment in one integrated environment
Randwijk is designed as a full test and validation environment where field trials, data and product quality come together. Orchards on river clay soils form the basis for practice-oriented experiments, where variation in varieties and cultivation systems is directly included in the evaluation of technologies.
On top of this, a digital infrastructure of sensors, cameras and data platforms enables continuous monitoring, analysis and visualisation. 3D simulation models allow solutions to be tested in advance and optimisations to be implemented more efficiently.
What makes this location unique is the combination with laboratory and storage facilities, where aspects such as crop health, soil, sustainability and product quality are also assessed. This includes measurements of firmness, brix, colour and size, as well as storage under controlled temperature and atmospheric conditions. As a result, innovations can be validated not only in the field, but across the entire value chain.
By working closely with researchers, data specialists and technology partners, an environment is created in which testing, learning and scaling are directly connected.
Where research, technology and practice come together
WUR Open Field Crops Randwijk acts as a connecting hub and independent research and validation partner within the Handsfree Agrifood ecosystem. Researchers, fruit growers and technology companies work together here on challenges that are directly relevant to practice.
In this collaboration, innovations are not only developed, but also validated and translated into solutions that work in real orchard conditions. In this way, the location contributes to scaling innovations and strengthening the international position of the Dutch Agrifood sector. Within NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood, Randwijk ensures that technology is applied in practice and contributes to a more autonomous and data-driven future.
Want to learn more about testing and validating Innovation Package 1?
Within NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood, innovations are tested and optimized to take the next step toward real-world application. Curious about the opportunities and how use cases are advancing their innovations? Our Innovation Package Lead, Natalie Hotrum, will be happy to tell you more.