Walmart is stepping up its tech game again, and this time, it is looking straight at the farm. The retail giant has teamed up with agri-intelligence company Cropin to improve how it monitors, sources, and manages fresh produce, and artificial intelligence is playing a major role. The idea is to improve forecasting, grow healthier crops, and make smarter supply chain decisions that lead to fresher food and less waste on store shelves.
Smarter Farming Through AI
According to a recent announcement, Walmart will begin using Cropin’s custom-built AI tools to predict seasonal changes, monitor crop health, and estimate crop yields with greater accuracy. The partnership is focused on Walmart’s operations in both the United States and South America and is designed to strengthen the produce supply chain from the ground up.
Cropin’s platform gathers real-time data and uses AI to assess crop readiness, forecast future yields, and detect risk factors like pests or weather-related damage. This level of insight allows Walmart to better plan its inventory, limit spoilage, and ensure customers have access to quality fruits and vegetables year-round.
Why This Matters Now
Climate challenges are hitting food production hard. A report from Everstream Analytics last year named extreme weather events as the top threat to global supply chains in 2024. And the USDA estimates that up to 30 percent of food loss happens during the production and harvest stage, mostly due to unpredictable conditions like storms, pests and disease.
By partnering with Cropin, Walmart is aiming to reduce that number and gain more control over the fresh food it puts on shelves. Better forecasts can help suppliers and buyers alike stay ahead of crop cycles and avoid overbuying or underestimating availability.
Tracking More Than Just Crops
Cropin’s tech does more than monitor plant health. It also tracks sustainability data like greenhouse gas emissions and water use, giving Walmart a clearer picture of its environmental impact. These tools help assess everything from crop quality to supply risks, allowing the company to make decisions that support both business goals and sustainability targets.
The technology also supports risk assessments at the local level, helping Walmart react more quickly to issues like pest outbreaks or regional weather disruptions. In the long run, this could lead to less food waste and better produce on your plate.
Building On Past Tech Trials
This new partnership builds on previous trials Walmart launched in 2023, including a pilot with Agritask to monitor blackberry and cherry crops. That program used remote sensors and data analytics to give Walmart real-time insights on supply conditions in the United States and Mexico.
Walmart’s focus on fresh food technology is part of a broader effort to modernize sourcing and reduce waste. With AI playing a bigger role, the results could be more consistent, predictable, and sustainable.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Walmart’s collaboration with Cropin shows how powerful technology can be when applied to everyday supply challenges. From improving shelf life to cutting waste and supporting better growing practices, this move could help set a new standard for how major retailers manage fresh food. And for shoppers, that might mean fresher produce and fewer empty bins on their next grocery run.