Feb 13, 2020

Vineland Appoints New Automation Director

Hussam Haroun has joined Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) as director of automation. In this role, Haroun will oversee Vineland’s activities related to automation, artificial intelligence and digital agriculture technologies.

Harrounn launched his own start-up after patenting and commercializing a new technology during graduate school. As CEO, he secured more than $3 million in seed investment and grew the company to 30 employees with multimillion dollar annual revenues.

“Haroun’s technical, business and leadership experience will provide an excellent foundation for his role at Vineland in leading the automation team to success,” says Tania Humphrey, vice president, research & development.

“Automation is key for Canadian growers to address rising costs, labour accessibility and more efficient resource management. Vineland is proud to be a leader in this developing field.”

Vineland researchers are leading three projects focused on horticulture: developing smart wireless irrigation technologies for potted plants, automating greenhouse cucumber harvest and developing a robotic solution for automated mushroom harvesting.

For additional information, please visit www.vinelandresearch.com.