Zuhn Harvesting

Zürn Harvesting distributes RootWave’s eWeeder

/in /by

Electric weed control in fruit and vine cultivation

Zürn Harvesting GmbH & Co. KG is now taking over the distribution of the British manufacturer RootWave’s electric weed control equipment for fruit and vine cultivation in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. According to the specialist in econventional farming based in Merchingen, Baden-Württemberg, there was already considerable interest in the F601 model at the launch of the new partnership during the recent FruitLogistica trade fair in Berlin and Fruchtwelt in Friedrichshafen.

By using RootWave’s eWeeder, the area beneath the trees remains weed-free without disturbing the soil structure. This reduces the risk of erosion, particularly on slopes. Furthermore, macrofauna, nematodes, bacteria and fungi are spared. This is because the manufacturer uses its patented high-frequency system (18 kHz), which does not damage the nervous system upon contact.

Within the Zürn Group, the hoeing technology specialist Garford is already using RootWave’s technology in its Electric Weeder for vegetable and arable farming.

Electricity protects soil biology

RootWave’s patented system operates using high-frequency alternating current (18 kHz), which is introduced into the plants via electrodes. Upon contact with the plant leaves, the current heats the water in the plant cells and destroys the weeds right down to the roots.

“This systemic approach is currently the only non-chemical method that works right down to the roots,” emphasises Andrew Diprose, CEO of RootWave. Independent studies have also shown that electrical weed control using the high-frequency alternating current system preserves soil biology. The soil’s macrofauna, nematodes, bacteria and fungi are not harmed.

Thanks to the high-frequency technology, the RootWave method is also inherently safe for the user. This is because, in this frequency range, the current does not have a harmful effect on the nervous system. Consequently, particularly high power levels of 60 kW can be transmitted to ensure the treatments are highly effective.

About Zürn Harvesting

Zürn Harvesting GmbH & Co. KG develops and manufactures in Baden-Württemberg belt-type cutting units, rapeseed and sunflower attachments, as well as cutting unit transport trolleys for combine harvesters, direct-cut units for forage harvesters and a complete product range for field trials. These machines are exported to all five continents. This range of equipment is complemented by double-blade mowers and the product line for mechanical weed control, featuring the Top Cut Collect, the Seed Terminator and Garford’s hoeing technology.

Cofabel

Cofabel becomes exclusive distributor of RootWave in Belgium and the Netherlands

/in /by

Cofabel becomes exclusive distributor of RootWave: A major step forward in sustainable weed control for fruit growing and viticulture.

Cofabel becomes the exclusive distributor of RootWave in Belgium and the Netherlands. RootWave is an innovative technology that controls weeds using electrical current. It offers a residue-free, efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional weed control. An important step towards more sustainable weed management in Belgian agriculture.

RootWave is the British pioneer in electrical weed control. Weeds are destroyed down to the root using electricity, achieving up to 99% effectiveness in a single pass in independent field trials. This chemical-free method does not affect soil structure and can be used in both conventional and organic farming systems. With increasingly strict regulations on crop protection and rising resistance issues in certain difficult weeds, it is certainly an innovation worth noting.

Cofabel actively contributed to field testing of RootWave prototypes, helping to refine the technology further. Thanks to this intensive testing phase and extensive feedback from the field, a robust and ready-to-use machine can now be deployed this year, fully aligned with the needs of Belgian and Dutch fruit growers.

RootWave implements can be easily mounted on existing tractors and meet the growing demand for sustainable, practical and future-proof solutions.

RootWave offers solutions for orchards, vineyards and nature management, and is also working hard on further expansions into arable crops. This is just the beginning.

According to Cofabel, the collaboration significantly strengthens their commitment to supporting farmers with pragmatic and forward-looking solutions. “RootWave offers a valuable solution that combines ecological and practical advantages,” says Luc Sterckx, Director of Machinery at Arvesta. “The technology fits within a broader evolution towards more regenerative agricultural practices.”

Weed Killing
Kirkland

Kirkland UK is official supplier for RootWave in the UK

/in /by

RootWave eWeeding products for orchards, vineyards and bush fruit in the UK

Kirkland UK a specialist supplier of equipment to the UK fruit industry is the new official distributor for RootWave electrical weed control products in the UK. The new partnership will see Kirkland UK distribute RootWave’s tractor-powered eWeeding machines for use in orchards, vineyards and bush fruit.

The RootWave system uses electricity to boil weeds and their roots. This makes electrical weeding extremely effective and, because it is non-chemical and does not disturb the soil, it is compatible with conventional, organic and regenerative farming systems.

RootWave’s eWeeding technology is a cost-effective and high-performance solution, creating financial and environmental benefits, while supporting better quality fruit crop production.

RootWave’s Head of Sales & Marketing Tom Archer said, “we are delighted to partner with Kirkland UK to provide fruit growers a formidable weed control solution. Kirkland UK is a vastly experienced and well respected supplier to the UK fruit growing sector and this partnership will ensure growers receive a top class product and excellent aftersales service.”

Kirkland UK Managing Director, Scott Worsley said, “RootWave delivers a highly targeted, electric-based weed control solution that integrates seamlessly into orchard and vineyard systems. We’re proud to supply this technology to UK growers who need effective, non-chemical options that protect tree and vine roots, and meet the increasing demand for organic and sustainable practices.”

(Left to right) Tom Archer (RootWave), Scott Worsley and Richard Pendry (Kirkland UK).

RootWave F601 Machine

RootWave raises $15m to replace chemical herbicides

/in /by

RootWave, the UK-based pioneer in electrical weed control, has successfully raised $15 million to scale its sustainable, chemical-free solution for eliminating weeds – including herbicide-resistant varieties – using electricity.

The round was led by Clay Capital, a specialist food and agriculture venture fund, with participation from Agri Investment Fund – the investment arm of the Belgian collective Boerenbond Group – as well as vineyard-focused Xinomavro Ventures, Naruhisa Nakagawa, founder and CIO of Caygan Capital, Jorge Heraud, former CEO and Co-founder of Blue River Technology (acquired by John Deere), and returning investors V-Bio Ventures, Rabo Ventures and PYMWYMIC. The round includes $3 million in debt facilities provided by Innovate UK as part of the UK’s Future Economy initiative.

At a time when agrifoodtech investment has fallen to its lowest levels in five years, RootWave’s success underscores the urgent demand for sustainable agriculture solutions.

The $40+ billion herbicide industry is facing unprecedented challenges from herbicide-resistant weeds and tightening regulation due to safety concerns. While alternative solutions such as mechanical, laser, and thermal weeding have emerged, RootWave stands out for its unmatched combination of efficacy, cost competitiveness, and safety.  Its market leading technology eliminates weeds without damaging soils or crops, with field performance rivalling that of chemical herbicides.

RootWave manufactures tractor-mounted implements using its patented high-frequency electricity that delivers exceptional performance, achieving up to 99% kill rates in a single pass during independent field trials. Compatible with conventional, regenerative and organic farming systems, the technology helps farmers protect yields and profits while safeguarding human health and the environment.

RootWave has commercial sales in the UK and has also secured international manufacturing and distribution agreements, including a partnership with leading mechanical weeding company, Garford Farm Machinery. The company is actively conducting trials with several other agrimachinery manufacturers to expand distribution across Europe, with plans to enter the US market thereafter.  RootWave’s electrical weeding technology is suitable for a wide range of crops from tree, bush and vine crops, to row crops including vegetables, broad-acre, and cereals.

With this new funding, RootWave is set to accelerate both regional and international rollout, drive forward its mission to replace chemical herbicides use worldwide, and become the new standard for sustainable weed control.

Andrew Diprose, CEO of RootWave, commented: “This fundraising allows RootWave to accelerate its growth.  We are grateful for the support from our customers, partners, and employees, and look forward to working with the new investors. Together, we will grow RootWave to become the dominant global player in weed control.’

“Decades of chemical herbicides overuse have made resistant weeds one of agriculture’s toughest challenges. We chose to back RootWave because it offers farmers an affordable, effective, and safe alternative to chemical herbicides,” shared Darren Leong, Principal at Clay Capital. “Having known Andrew and the team for over seven years, we have seen their technology evolve from concept to commercial launch, partnering with some of the world’s leading agriculture machinery companies. RootWave is now well-positioned to become the solution of choice for farmers seeking a safer and more effective option”.

Patrik Haesen, CEO of Agri Investment Fund, comments: “Weed control being an increasing challenge for farmers, we are excited to support RootWave bringing its technology to market. Providing a non-chemical and sustainable solution that destroys weeds down to the roots is a true gamechanger for agriculture.”

Garford Electric Weeder

RootWave and Garford collaborate to develop eWeeding technology

/in /by

The UK manufacturer of technologically advanced mechanical weed control products, Garford Farm Machinery, and Warwickshire based electrical weed control manufacturer RootWave, have today (11.06.2024) announced a new agreement that will bring next generation weeding technology to UK and international markets. The new agreement will see the two manufacturers co-develop new weeding technology and products, integrating electrical weeding into precision guided toolbar systems, for high-value and high-intensive crops as well as broadacre arable applications.

The RootWave system uses electricity to boil weeds and their roots. This makes electrical weeding highly effective and, because it is non-chemical and does not disturb the soil, it is compatible with both organic and regenerative farming systems. RootWave’s patented high-frequency alternating-current is orders of magnitude safer than direct-current, typically used in electrical weed control.

With over 20 years of hoeing experience, and having brought many innovations to market, from the Robocrop Vision Guidance System to the compact hydraulic side shift mechanism, Garford is recognised as the industry leader in precision mechanical weed control. The Robocrop Guidance System allows for accurate and efficient hoeing for both in row and inter-row weed management and prevention control. The system uses video cameras and image analysis computers to locate crop position and then guides the hoes quickly and accurately.

The new eWeeding technology is set to provide a cost-effective and high-performance solution, creating financial and environmental benefits, while supporting better quality crops that are not competing against weeds. Garford has calculated that by using the eWeeding technology, across a variety of different systems, estimated costs would come in between £55 to £120 per hectare, significantly lower than chemical herbicide costs.

RootWave CEO Andrew Diprose said, “Combining forces with Garford allows us to create a formidable solution for the industry, combining best-in-class power electronics, imaging and artificial intelligence to create an unrivalled weed control solution for vegetables, cereals and row-crops.

“It will alleviate the worries of farmers who are faced with an uncertain future where they don’t know if herbicides will be available, or will even be effective due to safety and resistance issues.”

Garford Managing Director Jonathan Henry said, “We are incredibly excited to pair Garford’s vast experience in precision guided hoes, with RootWave’s world leading expertise in power electronics.

“With the increasingly stringent controls over the use of chemical weed management, alongside resistance issues, we can support UK and global agriculture as it embraces its environmental responsibilities.

“Combining our technologically advanced precision guided weed control solutions, with the benefits of RootWave’s high frequency alternating current electrical weeding technology, we can create commercially viable and effective solutions to growers, as a key part of a sustainable, integrated weed management system.”

RootWave Defra

Defra Minister visits RootWave

/in /by

RootWave’s game changing eWeeder for orchards and vineyards has been included in Defra’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2024. The company also anticipates that growers will be able to claim further funding from the Combined Environment Land Management Offer.

The pioneering tractor-powered machine that delivers full control of weeds using electricity was one of the top scoring items for productivity and environmental benefit on the list. As a result, growers can claim the maximum grant allowance of £50,000 – more than half the machine’s list price.

CEO Andrew Diprose says the grant means that growers with 25 hectares of orchards and vineyards could save money versus their existing sprayer and herbicide programme.

“The running costs for a RootWave eWeeder are tiny in comparison to herbicides. Before this grant was announced we knew medium and large growers could save money by switching to eWeeding, now smaller growers can too.”

Farming Minister Mark Spencer visited RootWave in February to see the Warwickshire based company’s eWeeder in action.

The Defra Minister was impressed, commenting: “Keeping control of weeds is a crucial task all farmers face. RootWave is one of the most innovative companies in the country and Defra has supported the development of their innovative and eco-friendly electric weeder.”

Growers may also be able to access further funding, an annual payment of £101 per hectare of land where eWeeding is used rather than herbicides, under the Combined Environment Land Management Offer. eWeeding is the only non-chemical solution that kills both weeds and their roots without disturbing the soil.

Andrew Diprose said: “eWeeding is the only weed control option that can outcompete herbicides on efficacy and cost. Growers can also access all the benefits of chemical-free weed control and for those in environmentally sensitive areas this can include further grant funding from other organisations such as water boards.”

Growers can find guidance for claiming the Defra grant here.

More information about the eWeeder for Fruit

RootWave F601 Machine

Weeding in a winter wonderland

/in /by

When you know that it is heat that kills the weeds during eWeeding, it was fascinating to see how effective the revolutionary technology would be in sub-zero conditions! The mercury was showing at 5 degrees below zero when our team set off from our HQ and as we began treatment in a large Kent vineyard the temperature was still -1 degrees C. eWeeding is so effective because as the electricity travels through the weed and its root, the natural resistance means that the weed and root heat up rapidly – like the filament of an old fashioned lightbulb. This causes the cells within the weed to breakdown and the water in the weed to boil, which is why  steam is seen escaping from lush weeds during treatment. This means eWeeding is extremely effective in spring and summer when weeds are actively growing. But how effective would it be in these extreme conditions? Would the weeds get hot enough to cause the cell breakdown that brings up to 100% weed control in trials? The answer was yes, two weeks later you could see a clear visible effect from eWeeding. This is a strong endorsement of just how effective eWeeding is at controlling weeds in all conditions.

RootWave F601 Machine

Glyphosate delays divert time and resources away from where they are needed – innovation

/in /by

The money and time spent by governments on committees and stewardship schemes would be better used on helping the industry transition to viable alternatives like electrical weed control. It is time for the industry to start looking forward, not backwards.

By Andrew Diprose, CEO – RootWave

It is difficult to find out exactly how much money, time and resources are spent on debating, regulating, monitoring and reviewing chemical use. Certainly, civil servants and politicians spend many hours at briefings, meetings and committees discussing the future of chemical products. Often, as was the case with glyphosate last month, without reaching a conclusion.

This is driven by the fact that chemical herbicides are by their nature, toxic – that’s how they work. Farmer’s use them because when the post-war population boom demanded a rapid increase in food production, chemicals provided a cheap means of meeting market needs.

Now, regulatory costs, legal costs and the technological costs associated with chasing ‘safer’ chemistry means the days of free-flowing cheap chemical herbicides are, rightfully, behind us.

Meanwhile, Government bodies spend millions of pounds on research programmes, some of which test the efficacy of one chemical as a potential replacement for another. A wasteful act of kicking the can down the road, as new chemical products carry the same long-term risks: safety, resistance, regulation.

To make matters worse for farmers many such studies are funded via levies, so in affect it is farmers paying to test chemical products that will later be sold to them at a premium.

Whatever the total cost of these activities, isn’t it time someone stopped and thought… are we wasting a whole heap of cash flogging, if not a dead horse, then an increasingly old and sick one?

Herbicides are hugely damaging. They hide behind a benign looking liquid in a bottle that is relatively easy to spray, but the manufacturing process to get there is an industrial, environmentally damaging and carbon intensive process. The toxicity of the residues is not immediately clear, and it can require significant effort to link health and environment issues to the use of herbicides.

Time to start rowing with the wind

It is clear which way the wind is blowing, the more we understand about chemicals, the less disposed we are to want to use them to produce our food.

Are we ready to ban them all together? Of course not. Can we do more to reduce our reliance on them and improve safety? Well, yes.

Why not take some of the time, money and resource that we spend on regulation and start spending it on innovation? Wouldn’t we be better using the public’s tax money, and farmer’s levy funds on quickening our arrival at the future, rather than prolonging the past?

What makes innovation and scaling alternatives difficult is that herbicides have historically been considered to be cheap. But there has been a hidden cost to our health and the environment that has not been amortised yet and will be left for later generations to pay.

As Einstein once said, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”. The era of controlling weeds with chemistry is nearing its end. We can replace chemistry with physics in many cases. Electrical weed control is the most effective example of that.

The new RootWave eWeeder for fruit is effective, affordable and safe. It is on the market now; we know how well it works and we know that lots of farmers are very keen to use it within their orchards and vineyards.

It would be wrong to let the industry control the upcoming narrative that herbicides are the only competitive regenerative weed control technology, it is simply not true. eWeeding is lower cost, is an order of magnitude more energy efficient, and has no residues to risk our soils, biodiversity, and health.

Supporting the rollout of eWeeding into British and European horticulture would do far more to restrict the use of harmful chemicals in the sector, than bureaucratic processes and regulation will do – because it works, its affordable and farmers can reap additional benefits like wider treatment windows. Chemical herbicides such as glyphosate won’t be used, because they won’t be wanted.

Andrew Diprose

EU to further increase pesticide reduction targets, but it could be the weeds that are in for a shock

/in /by

The European Union has set a goal to reduce the use and risk of hazardous pesticides by 50% by 2030. However, a leaked draft report from the European Parliament shows that the Member leading the revision of the EU’s pesticide framework is pushing for more ambition, advocating for an 80% reduction in the use of more hazardous plant protection products by 2030. This goal is in line with the demands of the citizens’ initiative, ‘Save bees and farmers’, which called for a general reduction of synthetic plant protection products by 80%.

In recent years farmers have had worries about their ‘toolbox shrinking’, but fortunately, there is a solution that can help farmers meet this target: electric weed control (eWeeding).

eWeeding kills all weeds, delivering full control in independent trials. Moreover, electricity treats deep into the roots, and does not disturb the soil or seed bed, helping to reduce new weed growth, and create healthy soils to capture carbon.

Furthermore, while weeds might develop resistance to chemical herbicides, this is not the case with eWeeding.

This method is not only effective, but also safe for earthworms and other soil macrofauna, and can be used near water courses and in environmentally sensitive areas.

In addition, eWeeding can be lower cost than using chemical herbicides on a per hectare, per season basis.

RootWave will release its first tractor-powered eWeeding machine in 2024 for use in orchards and vineyards, with products for arable row crops expected from 2026.

If the EU are to take bold steps towards protecting ecosystems by increasing their pesticide reduction goals – in the case of weed control at least, farmers may actually be heading for a better future than they imagined.

In numbers – the squeeze on herbicides:

  • In the EU, chemical herbicides that account for 82% of the herbicide value in  fruit crops are being revoked or are at significant risk of being revoked. (33% for cereal crops, 87% for broad-acre row-crops, 94% for vegetables, and 98% in municipalities).
  • There is herbicide resistance with 68% of the current modes of action. No new herbicide mode of action has been discovered in the past 20 years.
  • In fruit crops, glyphosate accounts for 76% of the herbicides used.  88% of academic studies since 2016 conclude glyphosate is carcinogenic.  In the EU, its license was extended by one year until end-2023 whilst the authorities reassess its safety.  Glyphosate was recently withdrawn for US Consumers due to safety concerns and litigation costs.  There are currently 533 legal cases against herbicide manufacturers relating to safety.
  • EU Green Deal looking to halve the use of pesticides, including herbicides, by 2030 and COP15 committed to halving the risk from pesticides by 2030.
  • There is a 11% CAGR in organic retail sales and 8% in organic farmland with EU committed to increasing organic farmland to 25% by 2030.
Top Companies to Work For

RootWave officially a good place to work

/in /by

Best Companies has rated RootWave as the 13th best company to work for in UK construction and engineering.

The Warwickshire-based electrical weed control pioneers released their award-winning hand-weeder RootWave Pro in 2017. Following a period of growth, tractor-mounted systems for chemical-free weed control in fruit and row crops produced excellent results in independent trials this summer.

RootWave has a diverse and growing team. It has also improved its rating with Best Companies this year – moving into the top 100 companies to work for in the West Midlands.

Laura Wrench, Head of People said:

“We are building a team that has the tenacity to solve global challenges. We have an incredibly talented and diverse workforce that is passionate about what we do and what we deliver.

“We believe that we can change the world, and to do that we will need to create an environment and culture that inspires. That is why we benchmark ourselves with Best Companies each year and strive to improve our ranking.”

Best Companies is an independent employee engagement accreditation service that uses an annual staff survey to provide an employee led ranking for UK businesses. In 2022, they found that a majority of RootWave team members felt cared for, that they had the chance to grow and enjoyed their job – contributing to an overall rating of “Good to work for” and “One to watch”.

RootWave is continuing to grow its team, see the latest vacancies here, or visit our LinkedIn Life page to learn more.