GRAY FARMS, AGROPACK SOLUTIONS EVENT
Gray Farms Opens Its Gates to Celebrate Innovation
Gray Farms, nestled near the picturesque coastal village of Portsoy, recently hosted an open day that united local growers, farmers, and industry professionals. Held in partnership with Agropack Solutions, the event showcased cutting-edge post-harvest technologies, exceptional machinery, and innovative practices shaping the future of agriculture in Scotland. This gathering demonstrated the power of collaboration and technology in creating sustainable, efficient, and scalable farming practices.
Bringing Technology and Tradition Together
The open day celebrated the debut of Gray Farms’ reimagined grading and packaging line, designed to transform post-harvest processes. At the centre of attention was the U-Vision optical grader, an advanced system crafted by Wevano, Inova and Uniekum. This state-of-the-art technology offers precision grading by utilising high-resolution cameras to assess both washed or unwashed potatoes for size, quality, and imperfections in a single pass. From detecting defects to removing unwanted clods and stones, the grader represents a seismic shift in efficiency for Gray Farms.
For Phil and Charlie Gray, the farm’s owners, the investment in this next-generation equipment was not just about upgrading machinery but about ensuring the longevity and sustainability of their family enterprise. “It’s not just a machine for today,” said Phil Gray of The Scottish Farmer Magazine. “It’s about futureproofing our farm and keeping Scotland’s agricultural tradition alive.”
Innovation in Potato Farming
The Grey Farms Open Day was a true celebration of cutting-edge technology, featuring Scotland’s first U-Vision optical grader alongside a fully upgraded post-harvest system. This sophisticated line, developed in collaboration with Agropack Solutions and leading tech providers such as Wevano, Manter, Solidtec, and Meconaf, showcased groundbreaking advancements in efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability for the potato industry.
At the heart was the U-Vision system and its integration with the broader post-harvest line. The U-Vision grader, equipped with high-resolution cameras, precisely sizes, grades, and detects defects in potatoes. Together with Manter’s weighing and packaging solutions, Solidtec’s automated palletising systems, and Meconaf’s dust extraction technologies, the entire line exemplifies the innovative potential of combining tradition with state-of-the-art technology.
Attendees were also captivated by live demonstrations of the newly installed 1 & 2 Tonne Potato Box Tippler. This versatile machine, designed by Agropack Solutions, served as the pivotal first step in the fully automated post-harvest line. Capable of seamlessly switching between one- and two-tonne boxes, the tippler ensures a steady, gentle flow of potatoes during processing. Its robust build not only reduces labour requirements but also preserves crop quality and minimises product loss, embodying the very essence of efficiency and gentle handling that today’s farmers demand.
From the practical capabilities of the tippler to the precision of the U-Vision grader, the event underscored how automated solutions are revolutionising potato farming, offering new opportunities for enhanced efficiency, reduced labour, and unmatched product quality. With the global demand for potatoes continuing to increase, these advancements in technology are crucial for meeting production demands and maintaining competitiveness in the industry.
Insights and Connections
Agropack Solutions founder and director Willie Kyle, alongside Philip Gray of Gray Farms, warmly welcomed attendees, setting the stage for an informative and inspiring event. Throughout the day, they delivered personalised presentations and guided walk-throughs of the innovative grading line. These demonstrations highlighted how this cutting-edge system is transforming production processes, enabling farmers and agricultural businesses to meet the evolving challenges of modern farming with ease.
The event’s collaborative spirit was undeniable. Willie, Philip, and representatives from the participating partners actively engaged with attendees, offering valuable insights and expert answers to questions. This open exchange of ideas gave visitors a unique opportunity to interact directly with industry leaders.
Building a Legacy Together
The Gray Farms open day wasn’t just a demonstration of world-class technology—it was a celebration of partnership, trust, and vision. For Phil and Charlie Gray, this investment represents not just progression but a commitment to their farm’s future.
Speaking about the collaboration, Willie Kyle commented, “At Agropack Solutions, we aim to provide solutions tailored to each farm’s unique needs. Gray Farms serves as a flawless example of how advanced technology, paired with a trusted partnership, can redefine operations for the better.”
A Warm Thank You
The open day highlighted the strength and potential within the Scottish farming community. Willie and Jitka Kyle of Agropack Solutions extend their heartfelt thanks to Gray Farms for their trust and vision. Thanks also go out to everyone who contributed to the event’s success, from technology partners to farmers and guests. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter, more efficient future for agriculture in Scotland.
Read The Scottish Farmers article by the talented journalist Glen Barclay about our open day.
Looking for a tailored agricultural solution? Get in touch with Agropack Solutions today and see how we can transform your operations.
