Latest news with #SoSweet

RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
The Southland veggie grower using lasers
The family behind Southland organic vegetable growing business So Sweet have been farming for five generations. So Sweet, formerly Southern Cross Produce, grows and supplies root vegetables, like sweet parsnips and carrots, which managing director Matthew Malcolm says thrive in the Southern climate with cool air, long sunlight hours, and rich soils The firm recently adopted laser weeding technology to rid their fields of weeds, without using environmentally damaging herbicides. So Sweet managing director Matthew Malcolm speaks to Kathryn. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.


Scoop
21-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
NZ First: So Sweet Introduces Game-Changing Laser Weeding Technology
Press Release – So Sweet Photo: Mathew Malcolm (right) and Jesse Malcolm from So Sweet NZ / Supplied So Sweet is proud to be the first grower in New Zealand to introduce the Carbon Robotics G2-200 laser weeder a groundbreaking step forward in sustainable farming. This precision … So Sweet is proud to be the first grower in New Zealand to introduce the Carbon Robotics G2-200 laser weeder – a groundbreaking step forward in sustainable farming. This precision technology uses high-resolution cameras, artificial intelligence, and laser accuracy to detect and remove weeds without disturbing the soil or crops. It is already making a tangible difference across So Sweet's organic and conventional fields, with modelling suggesting the potential for up to an 80 percent reduction in herbicide use. 'We have been farming for five generations, but we've never believed in standing still,' says So Sweet Managing Director, Matthew Malcolm. 'For us, this is about scaling sustainability while protecting our soil, our crops, and our people. It's a proud moment to bring this technology to New Zealand.' Matthew's son, Jesse – Field Manager at So Sweet – is leading the day-to-day use of the new equipment. For him, it's an exciting opportunity to merge modern agri-tech with the knowledge and care passed down through generations. The laser weeder supports So Sweet's mission to grow with purpose. Whether organic or conventional, the company applies regenerative principles that prioritise soil health and sustainability, while also helping the team work more efficiently. Why it matters: Scalable, sustainable growth for organic crops Regenerative progress for conventional crops More precise, efficient work that removes one of the most tedious jobs for the team Modelling suggests the potential for up to an 80 percent reduction in herbicide use 'This is more than just a machine. It reflects how we want to farm in the future,' says Jesse. 'We've spent years searching for better ways to grow, and this is a step we're proud to take.' At So Sweet, we're proud to lead the way and will continue exploring smart, sustainable solutions that help us grow with care – for our land, our crops, and our people. About So Sweet From the fertile soils of Southland, New Zealand, So Sweet has been growing the sweetest carrots, parsnips, and seasonal vegetables for more than five generations. The region's cool climate, long sunlight hours, and rich soils naturally enhance the flavour of every crop. So Sweet combines generational knowledge with regenerative, forward-thinking practices to deliver top-quality, fully traceable produce. The company's values centre on care – for the soil, for its team, and for its customers.


Scoop
21-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
NZ First: So Sweet Introduces Game-Changing Laser Weeding Technology
So Sweet is proud to be the first grower in New Zealand to introduce the Carbon Robotics G2-200 laser weeder – a groundbreaking step forward in sustainable farming. This precision technology uses high-resolution cameras, artificial intelligence, and laser accuracy to detect and remove weeds without disturbing the soil or crops. It is already making a tangible difference across So Sweet's organic and conventional fields, with modelling suggesting the potential for up to an 80 percent reduction in herbicide use. 'We have been farming for five generations, but we've never believed in standing still,' says So Sweet Managing Director, Matthew Malcolm. 'For us, this is about scaling sustainability while protecting our soil, our crops, and our people. It's a proud moment to bring this technology to New Zealand.' Matthew's son, Jesse – Field Manager at So Sweet – is leading the day-to-day use of the new equipment. For him, it's an exciting opportunity to merge modern agri-tech with the knowledge and care passed down through generations. The laser weeder supports So Sweet's mission to grow with purpose. Whether organic or conventional, the company applies regenerative principles that prioritise soil health and sustainability, while also helping the team work more efficiently. Why it matters: 'This is more than just a machine. It reflects how we want to farm in the future,' says Jesse. 'We've spent years searching for better ways to grow, and this is a step we're proud to take.' At So Sweet, we're proud to lead the way and will continue exploring smart, sustainable solutions that help us grow with care – for our land, our crops, and our people. About So Sweet From the fertile soils of Southland, New Zealand, So Sweet has been growing the sweetest carrots, parsnips, and seasonal vegetables for more than five generations. The region's cool climate, long sunlight hours, and rich soils naturally enhance the flavour of every crop. So Sweet combines generational knowledge with regenerative, forward-thinking practices to deliver top-quality, fully traceable produce. The company's values centre on care – for the soil, for its team, and for its customers.


Scoop
21-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
NZ First: So Sweet Introduces Game-Changing Laser Weeding Technology
So Sweet is proud to be the first grower in New Zealand to introduce the Carbon Robotics G2-200 laser weeder – a groundbreaking step forward in sustainable farming. This precision technology uses high-resolution cameras, artificial intelligence, and laser accuracy to detect and remove weeds without disturbing the soil or crops. It is already making a tangible difference across So Sweet's organic and conventional fields, with modelling suggesting the potential for up to an 80 percent reduction in herbicide use. 'We have been farming for five generations, but we've never believed in standing still,' says So Sweet Managing Director, Matthew Malcolm. 'For us, this is about scaling sustainability while protecting our soil, our crops, and our people. It's a proud moment to bring this technology to New Zealand.' Matthew's son, Jesse – Field Manager at So Sweet – is leading the day-to-day use of the new equipment. For him, it's an exciting opportunity to merge modern agri-tech with the knowledge and care passed down through generations. The laser weeder supports So Sweet's mission to grow with purpose. Whether organic or conventional, the company applies regenerative principles that prioritise soil health and sustainability, while also helping the team work more efficiently. Why it matters: 'This is more than just a machine. It reflects how we want to farm in the future,' says Jesse. 'We've spent years searching for better ways to grow, and this is a step we're proud to take.' At So Sweet, we're proud to lead the way and will continue exploring smart, sustainable solutions that help us grow with care – for our land, our crops, and our people. About So Sweet From the fertile soils of Southland, New Zealand, So Sweet has been growing the sweetest carrots, parsnips, and seasonal vegetables for more than five generations. The region's cool climate, long sunlight hours, and rich soils naturally enhance the flavour of every crop. So Sweet combines generational knowledge with regenerative, forward-thinking practices to deliver top-quality, fully traceable produce. The company's values centre on care – for the soil, for its team, and for its customers.