German scientists, cooperatives and technology providers are collaborating in the recently launched 'inBerry' project to further develop a new cultivation method. Obst- und Gemüse-Absatzgenossenschaft Nordbaden eG and Obstgroßmarkt Mittelbaden eG collaborate with the Fraunhofer UMSICHT.

The “inBerry” project, which has just started, focuses on a data-driven, year-round production method for indoor cultivation, which becomes even more efficient thanks to the integration of innovative sensors. In collaboration with technology provider vGreens Holding Ltd, a new production method can be created for the sustainable vertical cultivation of specialty crops, such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.

Along with apples, strawberries are one of the favorite fruits in Germany. However, the strawberry harvest in Germany in 2024 is expected to be even smaller than in 2023, which was already a very poor harvest year. According to an initial estimate by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), a harvest of about 70.000 tons of strawberries is expected in the open field.

This is the lowest harvest volume since 1995, 24 percent below the 2023 strawberry harvest. The reasons for this negative trend are the continued decrease in the strawberry cultivation area and crop losses due to meteorological phenomena. The consequences of severe weather phenomena are especially noticeable in the fruit and berry business.

Reduction of environmental impact

Ensuring the supply of fresh, high-quality food while reducing environmental impact places an additional burden on agricultural producers. Studies show that in the future the focus should not be on maximizing performance even further, but rather on reducing the environmental impact while maintaining the same performance. Uwe Schwittek from OGA Nordbaden eG, whose main activity is the marketing of fruits and vegetables, agrees:

«Our task is to continue to meet market demand in the future and offer a suitable product range. In view of socio-political demands and the need for climate-neutral production, we are studying new, forward-looking production processes.” One of these methods is indoor vertical farming, a form of controlled environment farming that offers a regional growing method, saving resources and space directly where it is needed.

Data-driven indoor strawberry cultivation is performed using specially customized light settings in terms of wavelength, intensity and exposure time, as well as controlled environmental conditions. / Image: vGreens

Increase indoor growing efficiency

Until now, indoor vertical farming has been primarily used for growing lettuce and herbs. Now, within the framework of “inBerry”, the production spectrum will be expanded. "In collaboration with vGreens Holding, which specializes in data-driven and AI-controlled strawberry production, we are working on a berry production method that is taken to a higher level by using optical sensor technologies to determine the quality," explains Volkmar Keuter from the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT. «

In the indoor farming working group we are developing data-driven technologies to increase the efficiency of indoor cultivation,” adds his colleague Dr. Felix Thoma. The project, which will run over several years, includes, in addition to data-driven strawberry cultivation, the development of new indoor growing systems for other fruits.