LeaderBrand Leads with AI Innovation

LeaderBrand, with funding support from Ministry for Primary Industries under the Primary Sector Growth Fund, has welcomed the world's latest technology in weed control to its Gisborne farm.

The new Carbon Robotics G2 Laser Weeder is the latest technology innovation out of America, and it uses high-resolution cameras, artificial intelligence, and laser technology. It detects and removes weeds as tiny as the top of a ballpoint pen, without disturbing the soil or impacting the crops.

This new technology will be pivotal in helping the farm reduce carbon emissions, improve soil health, increase productivity, and produce a more consistent quality of crops, which will ultimately help Kiwis have more access to affordable leafy greens. 

LeaderBrand's general manager of farming, Gordon McPhail, says that reducing emissions, better soil management, as well as finding new ways to farm sustainably with cutting-edge technology is an important focus for the team.

"We're always looking for different ways we can be more sustainable, and soil health is a key driver; this new weed management technology is another step in the right direction. This is a huge milestone for us.

"This is a first of its kind to be used on salad leaf production of this scale, here in New Zealand. We are incredibly grateful for the funding support from the Ministry for Primary Industries under the Primary Sector Growth Fund so that we can commit to this project. There is no doubt this technology will revolutionise the way we farm, and it's not often  that we get to say that, let alone experience it right here in Gisborne," says McPhail.