Investment in new equipment for quality determination in potatoes

Optical sorting line 

A first investment concerns an optical sorting line for determining the size distribution of potatoes. With potatoes, it is not only important to know the total gross yield per ha, but knowing the size distribution is at least as relevant. The new sorting line is equipped with a 3D camera that can use a 3D sensor to determine the dimensions of each passing potato. This will allow us to report the yield in all common grades, both in kg/ha, but also in number of tubers and average length per size grade. The new sorting line also allows us to determine 5 types of waste potatoes and provides automatic sampling for further quality analyses.  

Fry colour determination 

In addition to the sorting line, a machine for determining the colour of French fries will be installed this autumn. The french fry samples will go onto a conveyor belt and automatically pass under the colour camera, which will then determine the fry colour according to the USDA standard. In this way we can guarantee an objective assessment and also further digitalise the data flow.  

Further professionalising trial field operation 

With both investments, which will be operational later this autumn, we are further aiming for efficiency gains and precision. Because in our trial-field operation and analyses, too, the term precision agriculture can no longer be ignored. These investments are made possible thanks to support from the Flemish Agricultural Investment Fund (VLIF).