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Smart processing for smart farming - Sormac presents CEA postharvest solutions at Greentech Amsterdam
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is rapidly transforming the fresh produce industry by enabling the sustainable, year-round production of leafy greens
Whether grown in greenhouses, vertical farms, or through hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic systems, CEA leafy greens are cultivated with precision and care. However, their delicate nature demands an equally meticulous postharvest approach to ensure they reach consumers in peak condition. This is where Sormac’s expertise in postharvest technology and process optimization makes a crucial difference.
By drawing on its extensive expertise in leafy greens processing technology and collaborating with leading CEA-growers, Sormac has developed dedicated solutions to meet the unique challenges of indoor-grown produce.
Unlike field-grown crops, these greens are cultivated in controlled, clean environments, eliminating the need for extensive washing. However, they require specialized handling to maintain their structure, freshness, and visual appeal. One of the most significant challenges with CEA leafy greens is their fragility. The thin cell structure of these greens makes them more susceptible to damage, dehydration, and microbial contamination if not processed correctly. Minimizing mechanical stress and optimizing humidity levels during processing, help maintain the crisp texture and vibrant appearance that are essential for consumer appeal.
At Greentech Amsterdam Sormac will showcase some of its latest developments for CEA-grown leafy greens.
Intelligent harvesting
The CEA Harvester CH-30 from Sormac is specifically designed for leafy greens grown in planting channels like gutters or floaters with a width of up to 300 mm, and it offers a dedicated harvesting solution for greenhouse cultivation. Although the technology behind the CEA Harvester is highly specialized, the harvesting machine primarily stands out for its ease of use. The planting channels are fed via a conveyor belt and transported fully automatically into the machine. The cutting area inside the CEA Harvester is then optimally aligned. Two height-adjustable, circular blades carry out the cutting process. These are positioned just above the planting channels. An integrated blower first brings all the leaves into an upright position so that the product can be cut from the stem or root—without damaging the leaves. Roy Lemmen, Commercial Director at Sormac, said:
The performance of the harvesting machine depends on the throughput speed of the processing or packaging line downstream. It is capable of processing 80 channels with a length of 12.6 meters each. Despite its sophisticated design, cleaning and maintenance are remarkably straightforward.
AI-aided line automation
Further enhancing efficiency is Sormac’s OptiPro visual automation system, an AI-powered technology designed to minimize manual handling and automate quality control. Using high-resolution cameras and deep learning algorithms, OptiPro verifies the product against pre-set recipes and monitors the harvesting process in real time. It checks the integrity and positioning of each gutter and communicates with the central control panel of the line. If necessary processing parameters are adjusted automatically. This intelligent oversight enables process precision with minimal human interface and raises the bar for consistency, efficiency, and scalability in CEA operations.
As CEA continues to evolve, Sormac remains committed to supporting growers in taking the next step in their business. Whether you are an established indoor farmer or entering the CEA space, our expertise and tailored post-harvest solutions help you deliver the highest quality product to market.
Visit us at GreenTech, Amsterdam from June 10 to 12 at Hall 1 Booth 541 to experience this technology firsthand and discover more.
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