Retail Crop Yield Programs

Walmart has initiated a pilot project in collaboration with Agritask, a crop supply intelligence company, to enhance its produce-sourcing decisions. This project, conducted under Walmart Global Tech’s Sparkubate program, aims to provide sourcing managers with better information on seasonal fruit crop yields, specifically cherries and blackberries. The pilot utilizes Agritask’s remote sensing and data analytics tools to deliver real-time, hyperlocal insights on these crops from selected Walmart suppliers in the U.S. and Mexico. These insights are intended to help Walmart manage supply chain logistics more effectively, ensuring a reliable supply of fresh produce, minimizing food waste, and responding swiftly to adverse environmental conditions.

The pilot project focuses on crops that are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations and moisture levels, which can significantly impact their growth, quality, transport, and shelf life. By leveraging Agritask’s technology, Walmart aims to fill vital information gaps that sourcing managers often face when predicting yield. The collaboration is expected to drive rapid responses to emerging risks, such as unexpected frosts, and provide updated indications on meeting yield targets throughout the growing season. Depending on the outcomes of this pilot, Walmart may consider expanding the use of Agritask’s solutions for subsequent seasons.

Image Credit: Shutterstock