Brix and Columns Vineyards, a successful vineyard in McGaheysville, Virginia, is partnering with Smart Grow Agritech to explore the use of blockchain technology on their farms. The vineyard opened in 2017 and has faced challenges due to the unpredictable weather in the Commonwealth. When approached by Alexander Mann of Smart Grow Agritech, the owners were intrigued by the idea of using blockchain-integrated weather stations to monitor climate conditions on their farms.
Stephanie Pence highlighted the importance of constantly monitoring weather conditions such as rainfall and wind, which is crucial for spraying. They have been impressed by the data and visual tools provided by Smart Grow Agritech, allowing them to share information with visitors. Alexander Mann recognized the significance of data for farmers and saw the potential of blockchain technology in storing this data securely.
The adoption of blockchain technology in agriculture is seen as a promising development, with potential for policy changes to support its implementation in the future. Senator Saddam Azlan Salim of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources committee has met with Mann and plans to introduce him to other elected officials to discuss its use in agriculture. The Pences are considering making each varietal’s blockchain data accessible via a QR code, enhancing the detail and uniqueness of each bottle of wine.