Positioning your orchard for tech adoption

November 2025 | Presented by Mario Miranda Sazo, Cornell Cooperative Extension | Future Orchards® Spring Series

Mario Miranda Sazo examines what orchards need to do before new mechanical and digital technologies can deliver value. The central theme is that technology adoption depends on orchard architecture, management discipline and data readiness as much as it depends on the equipment itself.

Sazo draws on applied technology work in the New York apple industry, where mechanisation and digital tools are being integrated into commercial orchards. The presentation encourages growers to simplify canopies, improve consistency between trees and rows, and organise orchard operations so emerging platforms, sensors and automation can work reliably.

The resource is especially relevant for growers planning redevelopment. Decisions about tree spacing, canopy accessibility, support systems and standardised work practices can either enable or constrain future technology. Two slide versions are provided for different Spring Series dates, together with the presentation video.