AI-driven platform recognized for streamlining crop monitoring and cutting scouting costs by 50%

Fermata, an Israel-based data science company focused on computer vision in agriculture, has earned the 2025 FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award (FLIA) for its Croptimus™ platform, a technology designed to identify pests and diseases in crops at an early stage.

Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated image analysis, Croptimus™ managed to secure more than half of the votes in the FLIA technology category, highlighting the growing significance of innovative AgTech solutions in today’s fresh produce industry.

This accolade arrives after Croptimus™ was singled out from nearly 70 entries within the fresh produce sector.

The FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award is widely recognized as one of the agriculture industry’s highest honors, given its emphasis on products and services that can transform how fruits and vegetables are cultivated, processed, and distributed.

By integrating continuous scanning and real-time analytics, Fermata’s new platform detects early signs of infestation or disease, putting control back in the hands of growers who strive to optimize resources and protect harvests.

Croptimus™ employs round-the-clock image analysis and machine learning algorithms to assess each plant for potential threats, including nutrient imbalances, mechanical damage, and general health problems.

This technology not only flags symptoms but also pinpoints the exact pest or pathogen responsible and identifies the particular harm it causes.

As a result, treatments can be applied much more strategically, eliminating excessive pesticide use and paving the way for environmentally responsible farming.

While traditional scouting methods often demand considerable manpower and time, Fermata’s solution reimagines the process by automating the most time-consuming tasks, freeing growers to focus on resolving issues rather than spending long hours hunting for them in the field.

In adopting this advanced platform, many growers have been able to reduce scouting expenses by nearly half, a considerable cost-saving measure in a sector where margins can be tight.

Growers gain immediate feedback on emerging threats, ensuring they can tackle problems swiftly.

In addition, Croptimus™ helps standardize the identification and reporting of diseases or pests, which can prevent small-scale issues from escalating into costly and widespread crop failures.

Fermata’s data-driven approach, combined with the platform’s ease of integration into existing operations, underscores why Croptimus™ has gained attention from farmers and industry experts alike.

The award committee’s decision also reflects a broader industry shift toward data-oriented techniques and technologies that can address common agricultural challenges on a global scale.

Many regions around the world face increasing pressure from climate change and diminishing resources, making it critical to invest in systems capable of detecting and managing threats at an early stage.

Furthermore, the use of AI and computer vision is part of a larger trend in agriculture, as more companies explore how automation and real-time data can reshape standard practices.

Fermata’s accomplishment, therefore, is not just a personal triumph for the team but also indicative of how forward-looking tech solutions are gaining ground across farming communities.

“Receiving the FLIA award is a significant accomplishment for the entire Fermata team. Our team has invested five years into developing Croptimus™, as we understand the importance of providing growers with actionable insights to enable optimal and efficient use of resources. This acknowledgment marks a significant milestone for us, and we look forward to the continued impact we can have throughout the horticulture sector.”

Valeria Kogan, Fermata’s CEO and Founder

Much of Croptimus™’s success stems from its focus on user-friendly interfaces that translate complex data into actionable suggestions.

By consolidating large volumes of real-time imagery and processing it through AI-driven models, the system identifies deviations from healthy growth patterns.

This data can then be delivered to farmers in a straightforward format, making the transition from diagnosis to treatment both rapid and accurate.

Over time, data from recurring patterns of infestation or disease can be used to develop predictive models, offering a preventative approach to future crises in the field.

While Fermata has already made headway with this technology, the FLIA recognition is expected to spark greater interest in Croptimus™ among producers, investors, and agricultural cooperatives around the world.

Many are keen to adopt new tools that cut costs and reduce reliance on chemicals.

The emphasis on sustainability dovetails with the global push to optimize food production while minimizing ecological impact.

By merging computer vision, AI, and machine learning, Fermata appears well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to that objective.