Fall Creek Farm and Nursery, a blueberry genetics and nursery company in Eugene, Ore., has made a minority investment in FineField, a mechanical harvesting solutions provider headquartered in the Netherlands.
“FineField’s state-of-the-art harvesters reduce fruit bruising, improve pack outs, and are environmentally friendly,” Cort Brazelton, co-CEO of Fall Creek, said in a news release. “They are dedicated to supporting growers through innovative solutions, and we’re excited to partner with them in this journey, fostering a thriving future for growers and the entire industry.”
Fall Creek said FineField incorporates solar-powered robotic harvesters designed to reduce fruit damage and improve harvest quality. FineField currently offers the Harvy500, which is a fully automated solution, and the Harvy200 and Harvy200s, which are harvest-assist equipment.
Fall Creek said that, as a minority investor, it will help support and offer expertise to FineField as it develops new solutions for blueberry growers.
“We are truly excited about the potential of this collaboration, which brings together Fall Creek’s innovative work in variety development with FineField’s cutting-edge robotic harvesting technology,” Oscar Verges, Fall Creek co-CEO, said in the release.
Verges said this investment highlights Fall Creek’s focus on innovation while producing high-quality fruit. Brazelton agrees.
“We aim to address some of the most pressing challenges in blueberry farming, from labor shortages to environmental concerns,” Brazelton said in the release. “This partnership is more than an investment; it’s a commitment to exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable today.”
