Giving Plants a Voice in the Future of Agriculture

At CROPPS, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration—connecting plants, people, and technology for a better future. Imagine a world where plants share real-time insights about their health, growth, and environment, reshaping farming to cut water waste, boost nutrient efficiency, and build a stronger connection between agriculture and the natural world.

This vision isn’t just imagined—it’s within reach. 

At CROPPS, we’re driving the scientific discoveries and technological innovations that deepen the connection between humans and plants. Our work focuses on a few key crops—maize, cotton, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes— addressing their unique challenges and opportunities. By advancing biotechnology, robotics, computer science, data analytics and social sciences, we’re translating plant signals into actionable insights, enabling sustainable, productive, and resilient farming practices.

Our work is powered by researchers from leading institutions—Cornell University, Boyce Thompson Institute, Colorado State University, Tuskegee University, University of Arizona, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Together, we’re shaping a new discipline of digital biology, where programmed plants connect seamlessly with the digital world in the Internet of Living Things (IoLT).

Programmable Plant Systems

At the core of the programmable plant system is a “smart plant.” CROPPS technologies help plants send signals—both to farmers and to the soil ecosystem around their roots—enabling smarter responses to environmental and biological stress.

Much like a thermostat regulates temperature in your home, programmable plant systems monitor and adjust plant growth. With this technology, plants can report their needs and environmental conditions: “I’m thirsty!” “I need fertilizer!”

Growers can respond and even program plants to optimize their biological processes: “Start flowering now, the bees are coming!” “Conserve water; it’s going to be hot next week!” “Get ready for fertilizer tomorrow!”

Likewise, plants can communicate to their neighboring organisms about their environment. “There’s a disease coming, be prepared!” “We need more nitrogen, recruit beneficial microbes!”

At CROPPS, we are creating programmable plant systems that allow growers to collaborate with plants in real-time, fostering a deeper connection between humans and the natural world.

Our Vision

Opening a dialogue with plants to expand our understanding of the living world and empower a future of sustainable, resilient, and nutrient-rich agriculture.

Our Mission

To create a diverse community of researchers and educators who collaboratively develop technological innovations, engage with the public, and make scientific discoveries that support a healthy future for people, plants, and our planet.

Our Team

Our transdisciplinary team is made up of experts in plant sciences, engineering, computer science, and the social sciences from leading research institutions.

Meet Our Team Members

Our Partners