BENTONVILLE, Ark — In collaboration with Walmart Global Tech’s Sparkubate, Walmart will work with Agritask to pilot a technology solution program that is geared to enable sourcing managers to make more well-informed decisions on seasonal fruit crop yields such as cherries and blackberries. This first-of-its-kind Agritask initiative aims to secure surety of supply, reduce food waste and guarantee fresh produce for shoppers. Pending the pilot results, the retailer may consider leveraging Agritask solutions and insights at scale for a second season.

The technology will provide insights including immediate alerts on emerging or forming risks and their potential impact on target crops, such as an unexpected frost harming a cherry harvest, enabling Walmart to adjust procurement strategies swiftly. It will also provide real-time assessment of timing, delays or advances in expected harvest, allowing Walmart to proactively manage inventory levels and explore alternative sourcing options. Another insight includes updated indications on meeting yield targets throughout the growing season, empowering Walmart to optimize supply chain logistics and ensure sufficient product availability for customers.

The pilot will deploy Agritask’s remote sensing and data analytics tools in various regions in the U.S. and Mexico to provide real-time, hyperlocal insights on seasonal blackberry and cherry crops from select Walmart suppliers. These crops were selected due to their high sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and moisture levels, which can significantly affect their growth, quality, transport and shelf life. Through real-time monitoring, the collaboration will drive rapid response to adverse environmental conditions to better manage supply and, thereby, enhance overall produce quality.

“Dealing with challenges in purchasing and planning accuracy in agriculture due to data discrepancies and environmental uncertainties can be tough. Agritask’s technology has the potential to fill vital information gaps that sourcing managers often face when predicting yield,” said Kyle Carlyle, vice president of sourcing innovation and surety of supply at Walmart.