Launch of the Integrated Photonics for AgriFood Roadmap

Studies show that the world’s population is likely to grow to almost 10 billion by 2050, generating a 50% greater demand for food than in 2013. In order to meet this exponential demand for food, smart solutions are already being sought to optimize farming and food production processes.

Integrated photonics sensors enable farmers to give crops the optimum amount of water, light, and nutrients – and food producers are able to accurately assess qualities and quantities. Sensors also allow early detection of crop conditions and diseases, avoiding waste.

Integrated Photonics for Agrifood

Precision agriculture needs sensing technology that is small, cost-effective, and scalable — so that it can be produced in high volumes and at low cost. That’s where integrated photonics, specifically Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), have an important role to play. These photonic chips are fabricated in a similar way to semiconductors, but use photons instead of electrons.

The technology is ideal for optical sensing applications, particularly real-time remote sensing of crop and food composition. Furthermore, miniaturization and low power consumption make it well-suited to handheld devices.

The Roadmap Launch on 17 May 2023

OnePlanet Research Center and PhotonDelta integrated photonics ecosystem have completed a roadmap for the use of photonic microchip technology in the Agri and Food industry. The roadmap combines insights of many relevant stakeholders in the Netherlands and abroad. The roadmap provides direction for enabling precision farming to address global challenges. The roadmap will be launched on the 17th of May at the VII Postharvest Unlimited Conference in Wageningen, the Netherlands.

When: Wednesday 17 May 2023, 12.00 PM
Where: Omnia Auditorium at Wageningen University & Research in Wageningen, the Netherlands