# Development of a selective broccoli harvester

> Tender notice from UK public-sector procurement sources.

## Key facts

- Public buyer: [DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS](/buyers/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs/contract-awards)
- Published: 18 November 2016
- Planned start: 31 May 2016
- Planned end: 31 May 2018
- Stage: open_tender
- Notice ID: 74967a0d-9372-45e6-91b0-d3f98758320c-91270
- OCID: ocds-b5fd17-752540ca-adc9-11e6-9901-0019b9f3037b

## Description

Development of a selective broccoli harvester Purpose/Primary Objective To improve the efficiency and sustainability of broccoli production through the development of mechanical harvesting technology Scope The proposed programme will cover the following research area within the context of UK horticulture Field Robotics: Development of a selective broccoli harvester to working prototype\. The harvesting apparatus will be required to: a\) Detect broccoli heads in a field situation in all light conditions \(the ability to harvest at night can be beneficial\)\. b\) Measure broccoli heads to determine compliance with market specification, primarily in terms of size\. The ability to discriminate quality is also beneficial to enable rejection of discoloured and damaged heads\. c\) Selectively harvest specification-compliant broccoli heads without causing damage to out-of-specification heads and transport to an appropriate container or conveyor\. d\) Be suitable for field use in all but the most severe weather conditions\.

## Related contract awards

- [Barmby Barrage \(Goole\) Utility Survey](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-5a36d68f-258c-4d6a-b8d3-243b6af13117): Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
- [Discovery and readiness support services for the Synergy Programme](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-a2a9ee69-801b-4994-aa72-ebe6224d5539): Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
- [Unified Support](/contracts/ocds-b5fd17-a41aa4df-773b-4285-8186-2e1d65bb2878): Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

## Source

[View the original notice on Contracts Finder](https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74967a0d-9372-45e6-91b0-d3f98758320c-91270)