Innovative farming practices combined with technological advances, including the use of higher-resolution satellite images, are improving the efficiency and sustainability of industries. One modern growing method that has recently received much attention is controlled growing.
This sector thrives in the UK, especially in Yorkshire and the Humber region.
CEA Techniques in Yorkshire
CEA is a technology-intensive approach to growing food. Protection and optimal growing conditions are maintained throughout the growing season. This practice enables harvesting all year round.
CEA can be used as a primary biosecurity method with minimal intervention and a fully controlled venue (for example, a greenhouse) isolated from external factors. These approaches help UK farmers to grow crops on a large scale indoors and applying hydroponic systems. The UK has more indoor farms than anywhere else in Europe.
Farming methods for growing crops in a controlled environment are revolutionizing the industry next. Companies in North and West Yorkshire are at the heart of this revolution. The opportunity to invest in developing innovative agricultural practices with these agtech companies will help improve food security and change the circular economy.
In the UK, a large number of consumers, high population density, and GDP per capita are the reasons the demand for CEA increases. Consumers are willing to pay for fresh value-added products, with the region self-sufficient in food by 61%. In this case, using controlled growing methods will help cover this shortcoming. Vertical farming is a young sector that attracts a lot of interest, driving its growth. The expected CAGR is over 25% over the next five years.
The growth of the agrotech industry in North and West Yorkshire is driving the largest concentration of projects, start-ups, and technology companies in Europe. Investors have a chance to cooperate with more than 700 different companies . In addition, the area has an excellent transport network, including airports, ports, and links to the local and national road networks.
Satellite Data and Sustainability
Solving global problems requires the combined efforts of governments, companies, and individuals. Technological advantages, including very high-resolution satellite imagery free available, can be successfully applied to address today’s challenges.
EOS Data Analytics contributes to solving global issues and strengthening the climate resilience of more than 20 different industries by providing technological solutions based on satellite data. The focus of the EOSDA company is on agriculture and forestry.
The company has developed an online platform for precision farming, EOSDA Crop Monitoring, which provides farmers and other agribusiness participants with comprehensive information on the state of agricultural land. A wide range of platform features makes it possible to make timely, effective decisions and reduce the negative impact of chemicals on the environment.
Platform users can apply vegetation, and productivity maps to identify crop problems more accurately and develop the most accurate variable rate application plan. This technology enables the application of fertilizers, chemicals, and nutrients, including nitrogen, based on the needs of crops. Thus, growers can save resources, increase productivity and significantly reduce the consumption of substances that can pollute the environment.
The field zoning feature of the EOSDA Crop Monitoring platform is based on vegetation indices, including NDMI. The values of this index indicate the level of water stress of plants in the selected area. This feature helps farmers accurately detect areas that need watering or, on the contrary, are experiencing excessive moisture. It prevents many crop problems and saves such a valuable resource as water.
Users who want to spend less time looking for high-quality satellite images of the desired location can take advantage of EOSDA LandViewer. The tool provides snapshots of a dedicated AOI and makes it possible to process and compare images.
Booster for UK agribusiness
EOS Data Analytics’ products and services, based on satellite technology and high-res satellite images analytics, can make a crucial contribution to the development of UK agriculture. Agro-cooperatives can use the company’s technology solutions to make the transition to sustainable farming easier.
Thanks to satellite monitoring, early detection of critical anomalies in the development of crops become available to users, which allows them to take timely protection measures. EOSDA Crop Monitoring also provides growers with 360-degree analytics from the fields. It helps to prevent the spread of weeds and pests, over- or under-fertilization and watering can be avoided.
