#Smart Specialty Crop Farming Industry

[ashimbisresearch]

Smart Specialty Crop Farming Market Research Analysis & Forecast | BIS Research

The Smart Specialty Crop Farming Market is projected to reach $ 6,849.7 Mn by 2033 from $2,304.6 Mn in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 11.40% during the forecast 2024-2033.

[butcherlarry]

Kent farm and country Clark Headcanons

Some headcanons about the Kent family farm that @januariat requested I post about :) 

I grew up on a farm and at our peak we had a couple hundred head of beef cattle (we’ve had registered angus cattle for about 100 years, and have been farming since the family settled in that area in the mid 1800s I think?  We’re no longer at that farm, the parents moved themselves and the cattle to another one in the state, so they’re still farming).  We also did a lot of crop farming, mostly corn, wheat, and soybeans.  Dad had some hay fields that he would mow and bale multiple times throughout throughout the summer/fall to make bales as some of the food to feed our cattle throughout the year.  My siblings and I were involved in 4H/FFA growing up (my sister and I were in 4H, my brother did 4H and then FFA when he got to high school).  We always raised two steers to take to our county fair as projects (and maybe some breeding and open class projects on the side), and my brother did shop/metal working projects as well.  Needless to say, I have a lot of THOUGHTS and FEELINGS about Clark growing up on a farm in a small rural community.

I don’t read the comics (except WFA), and most of my interaction with the Superman/Clark Kent fandom has been through watching the newer movies, being in fandom discords, reading Tumblr posts, and fanfic that I’ve read.  This was just something fun for me to ponder about based on my life experiences (I also work in the ag industry, specifically the meats industry if you couldn’t tell from my username, lol)

For the type of farm, I think the Kents would have a lot of acreage do crop farming. I'm not as familiar with any specialty crops grown in Kansas, but as I stated before, the big three that were grown on my farm growing up were corn, wheat, and soybeans.  Those are pretty popular crops to grow in the midwest, so I could see the Kents growing those too. Not sure how viable it would be, but sunflowers can also grown as a crop.  I like the thought of the Kents maybe growing that because, you know, Kansas. 

If they had any livestock, it would be a small amount.  I’m not 100% sure on Clark’s current age in the comics, but if he was around before the 1980s, he might remember his parents raising some cattle or hogs as an extra way to get cash.  Unfortunately, there was a farm crisis that hit the Midwest in the 80s, and it hurt a lot of small farms.  Now a days, you have to to be raising a lot of one animal to make any kind of profit (if any).  If you’re raising hogs, you need a barn that holds 2000+ head finishing hogs to make money (I worked in one of these barns and a hog nursey that held 5000+ during covid when I got laid off from my job.  It SUCKS.  I developed a new fear in life of being eaten alive by 300+ lb pigs, but that’s a story for another day).  It’s the same with chicken and turkey as well, but I’m not as sure on the barn size.  If the Kents do have any livestock, it would be animals that would be used to supplement their diet, like a small flock of chickens for eggs, and a dairy animal (goat or cow?  Maybe goat since they’re smaller and don’t take up as much space as a cow.  Might also be easier to handle for the Kent parents as they get older, but I’ve never owned a goat before, so don’t quote me on that.  Goats are smart and are pretty good at getting in trouble, lol).  

If the Kents have any large meat livestock, like cattle, it would only be one or two, which leads me to my next headcanon, that Clark was in 4H/FFA growing up!  I love, love, LOVE the idea of Clark being in 4H or FFA while in school at Smallville, and having a beef or dairy beef steer(s) as a livestock project.  Also, Clark would show his project animals at his county fair!  I don't think he would win or do well in the main classes.  From my experience, usually it's families that are big into showing cattle, and you need a lot of money for that for all the equipment and supplies that goes with it. They also tend to travel a lot with those animals, and show them in other contests as well (maybe state fair.  If you want to hear a rant about how much I don’t like show cattle and the show cattle industry, hmu). If anything, Clark would probably do well in the showmanship shows. That's more dependent on the trust between you and your animal, and how much you've worked with them.  I can definitely see Clark working with his animals everyday, cleaning, feeding, and leading them.  You know someone has really worked with there animal if they can lead and stop them so the animal’s feet are positioned correctly without having to use a show stick to move the feet (yes, there is a correct way cattle need to stand when showing.  A lot of terminology describing the feet positions too.  Again, if you want more details, hmu).

On top of showing cattle, I also love the thought of Clark taking a shop project through FFA/4H, especially if it's welding. He could use it as a way to practice with his laser vision!  You can definitely tell a good weld from a bad weld, and I can see Clark working on his laser vision skills to improve.  My brother and Dad would work on, fix and build equipment and fences with welding, so I can also see Clark learning how to do that to help out on the farm!  And I'm sure Jonathan Kent would appreciate it since he wouldn't have to spend as much money on the welding and torch gasses and the equipment that goes with it.

Welp, those are my headcanons for Clark, the Kents, and farming.  I’m sure if you poke me, I could go into more detail on somethings, or think of more headcanons about those topics.  Most of my ag experience has been in raising beef cattle, so that shaped most of these headcanons that I have.   If you or someone else in the Superman fandom have a farming background, please tell me what your headcanons are!!  I would love to hear them!  Growing up on a farm was a big part of Clark’s life, so we need more country Clark stories!

[crop-protection-market]

Navigating the Fertilizer Market Growth, Sustainability and Outlook

Introduction: Cultivating Prosperity in Agriculture

The global fertilizer market is a cornerstone of modern agriculture, playing a pivotal role in enhancing crop yields and ensuring food security. This comprehensive exploration unveils key aspects of the fertilizer industry, offering insights into market size, analysis, demand, and growth trends.

Fertilizer Market Size: Cultivating Global Impact

Understanding the vastness of the fertilizer market involves assessing its geographical spread, market penetration, and the diverse array of products offered. Fertilizer Market Size is influenced by regional farming practices, climate conditions, and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies. The Asia-Pacific region holds a significant share in the global fertilizer market due to its extensive agricultural landscape. The global fertilizer market is anticipated to reach a valuation of USD 230 billion by 2025, underlining its substantial contribution to the agribusiness sector.

Fertilizer Market Analysis: Unveiling Market Dynamics

Analyzing the fertilizer market involves a deep dive into its various components, including types, applications, and the evolving landscape of sustainable agriculture. Fertilizer Market Analysis includes an assessment of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-based fertilizers, as well as specialty fertilizers catering to specific crop needs. Sustainable and organic fertilizers are gaining prominence, driven by environmental concerns and the demand for eco-friendly agricultural practices. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the global fertilizer market is projected to be 4% over the next five years.

Fertilizer Market Demand: Nourishing Fields for Global Food Security

Understanding the demand dynamics of the fertilizer market provides a glimpse into the global need for enhanced agricultural practices and increased food production. Fertilizer Market Demand is propelled by the growing global population, increasing food consumption, and the need for sustainable farming practices. Emerging economies are witnessing a surge in demand for fertilizers to improve soil fertility and enhance crop yields. The demand for fertilizers is projected to witness a steady growth rate of 3% annually, driven by increased adoption in developing regions.

Fertilizer Market Forecast: Sowing Seeds of Future Trends

Forecasting the future of the fertilizer market involves anticipating shifts in technology, regulatory landscapes, and emerging market trends. Fertilizer Market Forecast includes predictions about the adoption of precision farming technologies, innovations in nutrient management, and advancements in controlled-release fertilizers. Digital agriculture and smart fertilizer solutions are expected to revolutionize the market, providing real-time insights for optimized nutrient application. The fertilizer market is forecasted to witness significant growth in specialty fertilizers, with a projected market value of USD 50 billion by 2030.

Fertilizer Market Growth: Nurturing Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Examining the growth factors of the fertilizer market uncovers opportunities tied to technological advancements, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Fertilizer Market Growth is spurred by the introduction of precision agriculture, the development of custom nutrient solutions, and innovations in fertilizer manufacturing processes. The trend of sustainable and slow-release fertilizers is gaining momentum, aligning with global initiatives for eco-friendly farming. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the global fertilizer market is expected to increase to 5% over the next five years, driven by a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices.

Fertilizer Market Outlook: Balancing Growth with Environmental Stewardship

The outlook for the fertilizer market emphasizes the need for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible nutrient applications in farming practices. Fertilizer Market Outlook includes a focus on nutrient management strategies, the use of organic and bio-based fertilizers, and advancements in precision nutrient delivery systems. Regulatory frameworks promoting sustainable agriculture practices are influencing the market outlook. Investments in sustainable fertilizer solutions within the fertilizer market are expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% over the next five years.

Fertilizer Market Revenue: Harvesting Profits in Agribusiness

Analyzing revenue streams in the fertilizer market sheds light on the financial aspects and economic contributions of the industry. Fertilizer Market Revenue is influenced by factors such as product innovation, market penetration, and the development of premium fertilizer solutions. The trend of customized and precision fertilizer solutions is contributing to higher revenue streams. The annual revenue of the top five fertilizer companies is projected to exceed USD 35 billion by 2025.

Fertilizer Market Trends: Adapting to the Changing Agricultural Landscape

Unveiling trends within the fertilizer market provides a roadmap for stakeholders, guiding them toward sustainable, technologically advanced, and socially responsible agricultural practices. Fertilizer Market Trends include the rise of precision agriculture, the adoption of smart farming technologies, and an increased focus on the development of tailor-made nutrient solutions. The integration of artificial intelligence in nutrient management and application is emerging as a trend, enhancing the efficiency of fertilizer practices. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies in the fertilizer sector is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6% over the next five years.

Conclusion

The fertilizer market stands at the forefront of agriculture, contributing significantly to global food security, enhanced crop yields, and sustainable farming practices. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing innovative solutions, addressing environmental concerns, and fostering responsible nutrient applications will be crucial for a resilient and prosperous agricultural future.

[jcmarchi]

AgTech's Growth: Exploring the Latest Innovations in Agriculture - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/agtechs-growth-exploring-the-latest-innovations-in-agriculture-technology-org/

AgTech's Growth: Exploring the Latest Innovations in Agriculture - Technology Org

Real change is underway in today’s world of agriculture, the pulsating energy of advanced technologies is melding with age-old farming practices. Within this sector, companies both large and small are making a big impact on AgTech. Leading the transformation are companies such as ICL Group, John Deere, Agmatix, and AeroFarms, more than participants; they are the forerunners, crafting a future that is as rich in potential as it is in promise.

A modern combine crop harvester – illustrative photo. Image credit: Ben Seymour via Unsplash, free license

Bridging Tomorrow’s Needs with Today’s Innovations

The rapid growth of the global population, juxtaposed with the challenges of climate change, is influencing the shift towards smarter, more sustainable food production methodologies. AgTech’s arsenal is brimming with a range of transformative solutions, from the analytical power of big data to the connective capabilities of IoT and the strategic insights of AI.

Leading the Charge in AgTech

ICL Group-The Vanguard of Crop Nourishment:

ICL Group, a leading global specialty minerals company stands tall as a pioneering innovator, infusing the agricultural market with mineral solutions aimed at bolstering plant nutrition and enhancing crop yields sustainably. Their approach embodies AgTech‘s potential to reconcile the rising demand for food with the imperative of ecological conservation.

ICL, with its innovative spirit, has embedded itself in the heart of this technological renaissance. Their advanced solutions—ranging from precision fertilizers to innovative growth agents—are helping farmers navigate the delicate balance between enhancing productivity and preserving the environment. By fostering a harmonious relationship with the land, ICL’s efforts epitomize the true spirit of AgTech innovation.

Agmatix- leveraging agricultural data

Agmatix is an ICL startup, that leverages the deluge of agricultural data to forge new efficiencies in farming, providing a platform that acts much like a digital agronomist, turning complex data into actionable strategies.

Their method harnesses the power of vast data analytics, and the interconnectivity of IoT with the keen insights of AI, aiming to boost harvests and raise the standard of farming sustainably.  Agmatix converts big data into a complete picture of the farmland, supporting choices that nourish both the crops and our planet.

John Deere: Forging New Paths in AgTech Innovation

John Deere is a beacon of innovation in the AgTech industry, integrating smart technology into its equipment. Their tractors and harvesters are equipped with GPS and sensors for soil, crop health, and weather monitoring. This allows for real-time analytics, empowering farmers with data-driven decisions that enhance efficiency and sustainability. As pioneers in autonomous farming, John Deere’s self-driving tractors operate with minimal human intervention, ensuring precise seeding, plowing, and harvesting with advanced algorithms and machine learning.

Beyond technological advancements, John Deere champions collaborative efforts to promote sustainable agriculture. By partnering with various stakeholders, they address global challenges like food security and climate change. John Deere’s emblem has become a symbol of a future where farming is not only productive but also harmonious with the environment, underscoring their role in driving precision agriculture towards a greener tomorrow.

AeroFarms-the contributions of global innovators

The AgTech landscape is further enriched by the contributions of various global innovators. Companies like AeroFarms redefine the boundaries of agriculture. AeroFarms is redefining the concept of space in agriculture with their aeroponic indoor farming systems. Together, these companies are steering the industry away from a one-size-fits-all mentality to a more precise, data-informed approach.

These pioneers are not just part of a technological wave; they are architects of a future where every plant, every drop of water, and every grain of fertilizer is optimized for the greater good.

Charting the Course for a Sustainable Future

As we embrace the latest advancements in agriculture, we see a future where technology enhances productivity while fostering a sustainable relationship with our ecosystem. The journey of AgTech is marked by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the planet’s health. The guardians of this journey, are diligently scripting a future where technological advancement and ecological mindfulness go hand in hand, promising a lush and bountiful world, with the one goal of ensuring food security for all.

Cultivating a Future of Plenty and Promise

As we venture into the future, the AgTech sector promises a symphony of advancements that sing of efficiency, sustainability, and prosperity. The innovations we witness today are not merely for convenience; they are the building blocks of a world where agriculture is as nurturing to the planet as it is nourishing to its inhabitants.

In conclusion, the AgTech narrative is a story of growth, unity, and limitless potential. It’s a story where companies like ICL, John Deere, and Agmatix, alongside a host of other trailblazers, are the stewards, crafting a future where technology fosters growth and every innovation sows the seeds for a healthier world.

[exgoland]

Harvesting the Benefits of the Metaverse: Revolutionizing Agriculture for a Sustainable Future

Recently, the concept of the metaverse has been receiving considerable attention due to its potential to revolutionize various industries — including agriculture. The metaverse is an immersive virtual shared space created through the collision between physical and virtual reality that offers numerous benefits that can help address some pressing challenges facing this industry today.

One of the primary advantages of the metaverse in agriculture is its capacity to collect and analyze real-time data from farms. With sensors and other technologies, farmers can monitor crops, soil moisture levels, weather patterns, and other crucial data points in real time. This data can then be used to optimize planting, irrigation and harvest schedules — leading to higher yields with reduced waste production and improved efficiency overall.

Moreover, the metaverse offers farmers new tools for precision agriculture. Utilizing machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, farmers can analyze data collected from sensors and make informed decisions about how to optimize crop growth and yield. For instance, maps created from this information on soil fertility levels allow farmers to target fertilizer application according to specific areas in their fields — saving both time and money while also reducing fertilizer needs while minimizing environmental impact.

Another advantage of the metaverse in agriculture is its potential to enhance food security. Farmers can utilize its virtual world to simulate real-world farming scenarios, enabling them to test different crop varieties and growing conditions without needing physical experimentation. This helps identify productive and sustainable farming practices, leading to higher yields and improved food security.

Furthermore, the metaverse can enhance the supply chain for agricultural products. By tracking goods as they move from farms to processing facilities and retail outlets, farmers can reduce waste, optimize shipping routes, and boost overall efficiency along the way. Ultimately, this reduces agriculture’s environmental impact while increasing sustainability within the industry.

Another advantage of the metaverse in agriculture is its capacity for education and training. Farming simulations and training programs created within its virtual realm can teach farmers about modern farming techniques and technologies, such as precision agriculture or soil management, which will ultimately increase yields while decreasing waste. Furthermore, farmers are connected with experts from around the globe through this virtual realm, enabling them to exchange ideas and learn from each other.

Moreover, the metaverse can be utilized to create new marketplaces for agricultural products. By leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts, farmers are able to sell directly to consumers, bypassing the middleman and increasing their profits. Furthermore, it opens up markets for specialty crops or other goods that may not have had access to traditional distribution channels. This helps small and mid-sized farmers compete with larger corporations, ultimately improving industry sustainability overall.

Furthermore, the metaverse can be utilized to generate new revenue streams for farmers. Utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, farmers can create unique experiences like farm tours or tastings that consumers around the world would pay for. This provides farmers with a new source of income while encouraging sustainable agriculture practices.

Finally, the metaverse can be employed to address some of the major challenges facing agriculture today, such as climate change and rising food demand. With advanced technologies, farmers are able to reduce their carbon footprint, optimize water use, increase yields while decreasing waste production and increasing sustainability. By harnessing this potential of the metaverse, farmers can ensure a brighter future for both their industry and planet alike.

As the metaverse continues to gain traction and interest, it is important to consider potential challenges and limitations that may arise. One concern is the digital divide; farmers with limited access to technology or digital infrastructure may be left behind. To guarantee everyone benefits from the metaverse, investments must be made in digital infrastructure as well as providing training and assistance to those who may not be well-versed in advanced technologies.

Another challenge lies in data privacy and security. As farmers increasingly collect and share more data through the metaverse, there is a potential risk that this data could be compromised or misused. To guarantee farmers’ data remains secure and used only for intended purposes, strong data protection policies and protocols need to be put into place.

Furthermore, there may be ethical concerns related to the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies in agriculture. For instance, simulating animal farming practices using virtual reality may raise issues about animal welfare and ethical use for food production. As the metaverse continues to evolve, it is essential that new technologies be utilized responsibly and ethically.

Despite these potential obstacles, the metaverse offers agriculture industry tremendous promise. By harnessing its power to optimize operations and promote sustainability, farmers can enhance food security, reduce waste production, and foster more resilient agricultural practices — ultimately contributing to a more resilient future.

In conclusion, the metaverse has the potential to revolutionize agriculture, providing farmers with new tools and technologies that increase efficiency, promote sustainability, and ensure food security. While there may be challenges and ethical concerns to consider, its advantages in agriculture are undeniable. As this industry continues to progress and embrace emerging technologies, we can expect even more exciting developments in years ahead — creating a more resilient future for everyone.

[magazinefood]

Most important topic regarding current trends in Indian wheat industry?

The Indian wheat industry is one of the largest in the world, with wheat being one of the most important staple crops in the country. Wheat is widely cultivated across India, with the northern region being the largest producer. In recent years, the industry has witnessed several trends that are shaping its growth and development. In this article, we will discuss some of the Current Trends in Indian Wheat Industry.

Increase in production: India is the second-largest producer of wheat in the world, with an annual production of around 107 million tonnes. Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in wheat production due to several factors, including the adoption of modern farming techniques, better seeds, and improved irrigation facilities. The government's focus on increasing agricultural productivity has also contributed to the growth of the industry.

Growing demand: With a population of over 1.3 billion, India is a significant consumer of wheat. The growing population has led to an increase in demand for wheat-based products, such as bread, biscuits, and pasta. The demand for wheat is also driven by the rise of the fast-food industry, which relies heavily on wheat-based products.

Flour milling industry: The Indian flour milling industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the establishment of modern mills that use advanced technology to produce high-quality flour. The industry has also seen a shift towards producing a wider range of flour types, including whole wheat flour, refined flour, and specialty flours.

Export market: India has emerged as a significant player in the global wheat market, with exports accounting for around 10% of the country's total production. The country exports wheat to several countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates. The Indian government has taken several steps to promote exports, including providing subsidies and incentives to exporters.

Government support: The Indian government has taken several measures to support the wheat industry, including providing subsidies and incentives to farmers and flour millers. The government has also launched several schemes to promote the adoption of modern farming techniques and improve irrigation facilities. The government's focus on increasing agricultural productivity has helped to boost the growth of the industry.

Research and development: The Indian wheat industry has witnessed several innovations in recent years, with the development of new seed varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases. Research has also focused on improving the nutritional content of wheat to meet the growing demand for healthy food products. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has played a significant role in promoting research and development in the wheat industry.

Climate change: Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the Indian wheat industry. Changes in weather patterns, such as droughts and floods, can significantly impact wheat production. The industry has responded to this challenge by adopting climate-smart agriculture practices, such as conservation agriculture, precision farming, and crop diversification.

In conclusion, the Indian wheat industry is witnessing significant growth and development, driven by several factors such as increasing production, growing demand, government support, and research and development. The industry faces challenges such as climate change, but it has responded with innovations and sustainable practices to ensure its growth in the future.

[botanyshitposts]

Hi! Given that we're all in quarantine mode, what is your favorite houseplant? Also, do you have anything fun and plant themed to pass the time at home (since you seem like you spend like 70% of your time at your uni/in the lab, and I'm sure both of those are shut down now)?

actually, the seed lab is still up and running!! what happened was that my uni cancelled classes and ordered everyone to evacuate the dorms, and only let people stay who had nowhere else to go, which immediately forces like, 80% of us student workers (who handle a LOT of the menial labor on campus) back to our hometowns. from a quarantine perspective i see how this is a smart move, but from a seed perspective i am terrified and in awe; so far, a week in, it’s kind of prompted me to start reevaluating what this means for like, how plants interact in our society on a broader scale, ngl.

like, this is a seed lab, funded partially by the state and partially by the (public) university. it is based in iowa, as i have mentioned before, which is one of the largest producers of maize in the world; 95% of our state is farmland, and it is completely possible to go to another country overseas and purchase feed made from iowa field corn. for further context, sweet corn is grown in iowa, but is deemed a ‘specialty crop’ (along with popcorn) due to the specialised labor needed to harvest it, and the bulk of it sold in grocery stores is grown in california (where a ton of wild botanical stuff seems to happen on a regular basis). most of what’s grown in iowa is field corn, which in turn is used for cattle feed (biggest use), ethanol, and production of more seed. i learned in a class about world food security last year that iowa produces so much food, in the form of animal production as well as corn and soybean production, that if you were to put a glass dome over us we could theoretically produce food sustainably for the entire population without altering our average consumption rate at all. 

farmers in the midwest and iowa often own their own land, due to the homestead act back in 1862; compare this system to the agricultural systems in third world countries, where single wealthy people own huge swaths of farmland and equipment that they then pay workers as small a wage as possible to farm it for them. personally i think there’s something to be said about how corporations in the US have driven prices of equipment up so high that farmers are having to resort to renting it, putting them in debt to large companies, which is REALLY just :eyes:, but that aside, farmers who own their own land and equipment tend to work harder and produce larger yields; this is actually a trend throughout the world that the US benefits from due to how the land is historically dispersed. 

BUT. going back to the entire reason i’m writing this, corn ultimately drives the economy in iowa. all things come from corn; soybeans too, but mostly corn. seed is still needing to be planted here at the beginning of the growing season, and corporations that have harvested their seed are now sending it in to seed labs to get it verified to be shipped and sold in other countries (or sold in the united states at all; you need to have certain statistics and a grading on your seed to be able to sell it here, which prevents companies from selling shitty seed to farmers at incredibly high prices as was the case back when government seed labs were first established in the early 1900s). it becomes clearer to me, with that in mind, why the seed lab i work at is still staying open, but it also raises some other questions; for instance, are all public seed labs still open throughout the US? are private seed labs still open? how will the drop in labor in these labs effect the agricultural industry? (i’m assuming the answer to the last one will be ‘not much’, but i have no idea how it is at other labs, and if they have more full time workers than part time and all that). 

like, considering the wider scope of things, it’s wild that essential public services also include niche public services like seed testing. it makes sense that the seed lab will remain open. it makes sense that the amount of samples coming in hasn’t slowed down, and they’ll probably have a major delay on getting sample results/documentation and all that to companies ordering them. as long as meat is being produced, feed is needed, and as long as feed is needed iowa will keep producing corn at an incredible rate. it’s just like. seeds, man......what a world

as for your second question about botanical entertainment, i’m pretty preoccupied with classes rn but the digital flowers site from the university of Illinois is a resource we use in plant systematics a lot that’s fun to poke around; also, the KEW digital herbarium, and, of course, the famous in defense of plants podcast. oh, the crime pays but botany doesn’t youtube channel is a great time, too!

[agritecture]

SMART CITIES ARE FORGETTING ABOUT SOMETHING: FOOD

By Henry Gordon-Smith

Although we remain in the early stages, it is clear that a ‘Smart City’ revolution is sweeping the world. Technology driven solutions are being used to rethink and reshape the way that urban areas function. These solutions bring with them the promise of future cities that are more efficient with resources, more equitable for residents, and more resilient to climate events.

As with any young revolution, there is still a lot to learn in terms of what works and what should be included. Urban agriculture, for example, despite its unique ability to ameliorate a multitude of issues plaguing urban areas, is often strangely left out of the Smart City discussion.

Despite this fact, the urban agriculture industry has continued to grow immensely with an ever increasing demand for nutritious local produce. AgriFood Tech investment reached $10.1 Billion in 2017, including $200 Million in Series B funding for vertical farming company Plenty.

LEARN MORE AT AGRITECTURE XCHANGE

Urban Agriculture Entrepreneurship

In the last few years, my firm Agritecture Consulting has been in the unique position of working with over sixty urban farming projects around the world. From these experiences, two things have become abundantly clear. First, urban agriculture faces significant challenges as an industry. Many companies have made faulty assumptions about their market or their costs, and because of this many of them have failed.

But, second, I have also witnessed the incredible innovative spirit of the entrepreneurs who are driving this industry forward. It is abundantly clear that our current food system model is flawed, and urban farming pioneers will not rest until every process and piece of equipment has been fully optimized to make new, more sustainable and profitable models that transform food production globally.

It became very apparent early on in our consulting work that most entrepreneurs had brilliant concepts but were in need of technical guidance, and so we focused on feasibility studies and farm designs to assist new companies as they developed their business models. 

One prime example is Rob Laing, an experienced tech entrepreneur and home chef who wanted to revolutionize the way Michelin starred restaurants source produce by growing on-demand specialty crops in a vertical farm in Manhattan. Agritecture Consulting helped transform Rob’s concept into a viable vertical farm called Farm.One, and also helped him install the farm and recruit their head grower. Now, the farm has expanded to a second location in Manhattan after selling out of the first.

Farm.One’s first location in Lower Manhattan. (Photo: Farm.One)

In addition to the needs on the entrepreneurship side, it also became readily apparent that the urban farming industry is siloed and frequently disconnected from the outside world. To address this we have created workshops and conferences that focus on bringing people of diverse backgrounds together and introducing urban agriculture to a wider audience than just ag-tech entrepreneurs.

In partnering with the City of Atlanta, for example, we have brought togetherindividuals from across sectors of government, technology, farming, finance, etc. in order to facilitate the idea sharing that will spur ahead the next innovative urban agriculture models. Working directly with the City’s Director of Urban Agriculture, Mario Cambardella, Agritecture accelerated a unique brand ,“AgLanta,” to connect both high-tech for-profit and community-focused urban farmers with one another and the City. This culminated in two major conferences, a business development strategy to attract commercial urban farmers to the City of Atlanta, and also a roundtable where farms pitched to City agencies. Our partnership with Atlanta is another example of the work needed to drive local food systems forward.

Around the world, some regions remain highly dependent on food imports due to a variety of reasons such as limited water, land, and trained growers. We are also focusing our efforts in these places, where we see both the local desire and the capacity (thanks to recent innovations in agriculture) to become more self-sufficient in terms of food production. In Qatar, Agritecture proposed a context-specific agriculture incubator to respond to the nation’s urgent need to grow more food locally. The program embodies Agritecture’s approach: beginning with detailed market research and a study of the region’s potential for agriculture, followed by a comprehensive plan to attract new farmers, empower them through knowledge and incentives, and finally launch their new ventures with sustainable local agriculture in mind.  

Cities and Agriculture

Smart City Agriculture. (Image: Agritecture)

Urban agriculture is not the solution to our food system crisis, but it is and will continue to be an essential component of how every country, region, and city restructures their food system to make fresh food supplies more available, resilient and ecologically friendly.

It is my deeply held belief that just like energy, transportation and internet access, the processes of food production and distribution are integral parts of the urban ecosystem. Similar to other system components, agriculture should be supported through smart policies that are data driven and context specific. The path forward for resilient cities and communities should and must include thoughtfully planned urban agriculture.

Some cities around the U.S. and abroad have begun the initial stages of implementing policies to encourage the industry’s growth as a critical part of local and regional food systems. In Los Angeles, for example, the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator provides a space where urban farming companies can pilot their models. In Atlanta, a Director of Urban Agriculture ensures that municipal support is consistently available to local farmers.

Many other cities have passed zoning ordinances and started programs to promote the expansion of urban agriculture. In Boston, Article 89 comprehensively addressed where different forms of urban farms should be permitted within the city. In Minneapolis, the Homegrown local food program brings municipal and community actors together to research and plan out future supportive policies. In Paris, a municipal initiative ‘Parisculteurs’ aims to dedicate a third of the city’s green space towards food production. And in Singapore, developers are being incentivized to include urban farms as part of green building requirements.

These current efforts, however, are largely piecemeal. Few cities, if any, are using data-driven urban agriculture planning and analysis in order to ensure future resilience in this new and burgeoning sector of municipal economies. Through performing in-depth analyses, however, cities have the unique ability to change what today is mostly a feel-good concept into a critical framework that can be scaled to transform local food production.

The idea here is not to turn urban agriculture into a top-down model; the decentralized and diverse nature of urban farming is a major factor in its resiliency. Rather, the idea is for cities and regions to understand where the greatest vulnerabilities and opportunities lie in their local food systems, and to then plan out and provide support to targeted areas of the food economy such as through local distribution hubs and farming accelerators.

Advances in urban agriculture planning are happening, though slowly. Cities and communities are starting to catch on by working together across sectors and silos to recognize and promote agriculture’s role as an integral component of smart, resilient cities. But there is plenty of work to be done.

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Taking the Next Step

Smart cities use technology and data to make people’s lives better. But, to date, cities have failed to adopt this new methodology to what is perhaps the most critical urban system: food. I believe this is deeply flawed.

Now, as urban agriculture continues to build momentum, it is the perfect time for cities to embrace this young industry and to foster urban food systems through a data-driven and smart approach.

Just like passionate entrepreneurs first entering the space, many cities have great intentions for urban agriculture but lack the capacity and technical knowledge to understand where the local food system should be strengthened to most effectively make it smarter and more resilient towards environmental, social and economic stressors.

To assist cities in analyzing and strengthening their local food capabilities, Agritecture has designed a new service called Urban Agriculture Scenario Analysis. Using site-specific and scale-specific data and modelling, scenario analysis can transform a city’s piecemeal farming community into a diversified urban agriculture economy.

There is an immense wealth of burgeoning technologies around urban and peri-urban food production and distribution. Many urban farms are already “smart”, using sensors and data to tailor everything from lighting to crop nutrition. This is true in big farms such as AeroFarms, which dominates an entire converted warehouse, and also in small farms like Farm.One, which takes advantage of underutilized basement space in Manhattan.

For cities to become smart in this sector, they no longer need to recognize the many benefits of urban agriculture–that has already happened throughout mayoral administrations, academic halls, and even more recently in Congress.

For cities to catch up, they need to apply a data-driven approach similar to what farms are using to more effectively grow crops. Cities must start supporting urban agriculture in targeted ways that work with the urban agriculture industry to transform our current food production and distribution systems into smarter, more localized, and more resilient networks.

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Henry Gordon-Smith is the Founder and Managing Director of Agritecture Consulting, a global consulting firm focussed on integrating urban agriculture with the built environment. They started as a blog and have since assisted with more than 60 projects in 10 cities, with municipal partners including the City of Atlanta, New York City, The City of Paris, Horticulture New Zealand, Sidewalk Toronto, and the Qatari Development Bank.

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3 Ways The Cannabis Industry Can Benefit By Adopting IoT Tech

The cannabis industry of the United States is unlike other horticulture markets in the country. It’s younger, less traditional and with roots in a black market, it’s no surprise that its forerunners aren’t afraid to experiment with new approaches and technology.

The rapid adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) technology is one way in particular that this new generation of producers is stepping up, and they’re beginning to reap the rewards. But to better demonstrate how significant the implementation of IoT tech can be, we’ll peek over the fence at other craft-oriented food industries—namely wine and chocolate—to discover how effective they can be long-term for serious players in the cannabis industry.

The results, as you can probably guess, are astounding.

Farm Productivity and Precision is on the Rise

IoT tech isn’t just a cool new thing for experimental growers – it’s as necessary as air in the 21st century. New and veteran farms alike are discovering ways to streamline production and enhance the quality of their crops. One of the most common implementations of IoT tech in agriculture is the installation of smart measurement tools. Remote sensors can monitor soil acidity, humidity, salt concentrations, temperature and a variety of other metrics, automating the collection of data and providing a clear picture of plant health. For many farms, like E. & J. Gallo Winery, this is a game-changer.By installing hundreds of sensors per block and upgrading to a more precise irrigation system, Gallo was able to connect moisture measurements to a central system

Before placing sensors in over 250 acres of their vineyard, Gallo could only make irrigation adjustments at the large block level. Even with careful monitoring of moisture levels, the grape yield was inconsistent in size and flavor. By installing hundreds of sensors per block and upgrading to a more precise irrigation system, Gallo was able to connect moisture measurements to a central system. The system collects the data, considers the weather forecast, and automatically irrigates small areas of the vineyard as needed to ensure all plants are optimally watered. This resulted in a more uniform crop, less water waste and more desirable grapes.

Cannabis farms are starting to pick up on this simple approach as well. Organigram, one of Canada’s leading Cannabis producers, is well aware of the benefits of this kind of automation and data collection. “All our grow rooms are helping us learn all the time,” says Matt Rogers, head of production at Organigram. “With 20 grow rooms going, we can gather as much information about these plants as you would get in a century of summers.”

Automation and precision have enabled by Gallo and Organigram to improve yield and increase precision, which has helped them achieve their well-respected status in the wine and cannabis industries.

The Supply Chain is Becoming More Transparent

As much as we would like the industry to be free of scams and crooks, there’s more than a few producers stretching the truth when it comes to labeling product. MyDx, a cannabis chemical analyzer, recently revealed that the label on the package often does not totally coincide with the product within.Protecting your brand’s reputation is a necessity and IoT tech is helping some pioneering industries do that.

For example, the most frequently tested cannabis strain, “Blue Dream”, averages a 64% difference in chemical makeup from sample to sample. Similarly, “Gorilla Glue” and “Green Crack” show as much as 83% variation from sample to sample—largely because there’s no regulation of these names.

While variation is inevitable from grower to grower, plant to plant, and even between different parts of the same plant, misleading labels and the addition of ‘fillers’ is a growing issue for edible cannabis producers, and the threat it poses to your brand isn’t minor. Protecting your brand’s reputation is a necessity and IoT tech is helping some pioneering industries do that.

Wine in China is a powerful example of how improved traceability can reduce large-scale mislabeling. Brand-name winemakers in the country face a massive problem: 70% of imported wines are counterfeits. To combat this, winemakers are attaching near-field communication (NFC) labels to imported and domestic bottles. It’s a dramatic solution, but one that’s protecting the brand of winemakers dedicated to quality and transparency.

As the legalization of cannabis spreads and coveted strains emerge, so will the availability of counterfeits—or, at the very least, less-than-truthful labeling. This has proven to be true in almost every specialty market, and adopting improved traceability tech will defend your brand and reputation from the consequences of selling a product that’s discovered to be more ‘filler’ than cannabis.

Compliance is Easily Achieved

The conversation of cannabis regulation generally revolves around age restrictions and driving while impaired, but government compliance is far more complicated – especially for facilities that create cannabis-infused food products. And here’s the frustrating part for those who must (and should) maintain a food safety plan: every time a regulation is adjusted (or every time a new variation is added in another state), facilities must be able to document changes in procedures, recipes and hazard controls. It gets complicated quickly, especially if all the documentation is kept manually.

There’s a lot to be gained by connecting your systems and products to the Internet of ThingsA central, connected system is the best way for food manufacturers to streamline and automate a variety of documentation and food safety tasks, which can mean thousands of dollars saved over months or years. Using software like Icicle, facilities can create a comprehensive data environment that’s dynamic and accessible from anywhere. Incoming measurements from connected equipment and employee records are collected and an admin dashboard allows you to see what food safety systems are thriving and which need revisiting. The records – transformed into a compliant food safety plan – can then be pulled up during audits and inspections on the spot, saving the months that companies usually spend preparing documentation.

According to Mitchell Pugh of Chewter’s Chocolates, their system “gives me a great peace of mind in the sense to know we have all our information prepared and anything that an inspector is going to ask for – whether they’re looking for one product, a general system, a certain hazard, or a bill of ingredients or materials or an allergen – is easy for us to search for it, pull it up, and find exactly what they’re looking for.”

Considering that most food manufacturers still record measurements and create food safety plans manually, this is an area where progressive companies can quickly outpace their non-automated rivals.

Whether you’re a grower, dispensary, food producer, or some other kind of cannabis professional, there’s a lot to be gained by connecting your systems and products to the Internet of Things. Which direction will you take?

The post 3 Ways The Cannabis Industry Can Benefit By Adopting IoT Tech appeared first on Cannabis Industry Journal.

Source: https://www.cannabisindustryjournal.com/feature_article/3-ways-the-cannabis-industry-can-benefit-by-adopting-iot-tech/

3 Ways The Cannabis Industry Can Benefit By Adopting IoT Tech was initially published to https://gigglesndimples.com

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Arable Labs raises $4.25 million to bring predictive analytics to … – VentureBeat

Arable Labs has raised $4.25 million to bring data-driven analysis and predictions to farming.

The Princeton, N.J.-based startup uses sensors for the Internet of Things, or making everyday objects smart and connected, to collect data on a farm, measuring everything from air temperature to moisture on a micro level.

Agriculture is about 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, accounting for around $7.8 trillion. It is expected to become a $20 trillion market by 2050. Agtech, meanwhile, is generating billions of dollars in funding a year. The company will begin shipping the Arable Mark sensor platform this spring and will make it more widely available through distributors later this year.

Middleland Capital‘s agriculture technology fund and S2G Ventures led the round, which also includes participation from new investors Chase Field, Spark Labs, and Cantos VC. With the new funds, the company will support expansion of data science and analytics for the food and ag supply chain, fueled by mass production of the Arable Mark IoT device (formerly known as PulsePod) later this year.

Above: Arable measures dozens of types of data on farms.

Image Credit: Arable Labs

The Arable Mark offers insight into crop status and microclimate to drive operational decisions. It helps calculated crop yields and quality that aid sales and logistics decisions, and it provides retailers with traceability and offers transparency into the production conditions valued by consumers.

“Middleland and S2G are rare investors who understand the whole food supply system, from genetics and chemistry to production agriculture to the brands that bring it to our tables,” said Adam Wolf, CEO of Arable, in a statement. “What joins all these players is their shared exposure to production risk, of simply not knowing what will come out of the field in a month or even a week out. We’re excited to bring predictive analytics to agriculture and make a dent in the trillions of dollars wasted when food doesn’t make it from field to fork.”

The company said the Arable Mark measures more dimensions of physical meteorology, at greater spatial density, than any weather model or station network, and more plant attributes, at greater frequency, than any satellite or aircraft. By measuring over 40 individual environmental data streams, the Mark is the most data-rich device available in the IoT market, Arable Labs said.

“I have been incredibly impressed by the product innovation at Arable,” said Brian Mixer, managing director of Middleland Capital and new Arable board member, in a statement. “Adam and his team have developed a clear value proposition as the critical business intelligence that connects producers and processors. Accurate forecasting is in many ways a holy grail in agriculture, and Arable has brought together a rare group of product engineers, biologists, and mathematicians to solve this critical issue in the food supply chain.”

The Mark’s launch coincides with the all-new cloud-based Arable Insights software platform for crop consultants, farmers, large-scale producers, and food processors in the agricultural supply chain. Insights enables each stakeholder to communicate with trusted business partners based on real-time field-level data.

It is now possible for managers to benchmark crop performance and seasonal progress across hundreds of fields while also being able to drill down and understand the details of growth or weather events. The data synthesis of weather and crop growth enables Arable to predict timing, quality perishability, and yield. The company plans to expand the Insights platform data interoperability with a number of key integrations throughout the year, particularly Valley Irrigation’s AgSense and Irrigation Exchange.

Above: Arable Labs’ Mark provides analytics on farm trends.

Image Credit: Arable Labs

“We’ve been waiting for someone to bring the Internet of Things and predictive analytics to agriculture, similar to the surge we have seen in medicine, energy, transportation, and other traditional industries,” said Sanjeev Krishnan, managing director at S2G Ventures, in a statement. “Arable is solving the financial risk embodied in transactions between growers and processors, especially in specialty crops that exist outside of commodities exchanges.”

During the past year, Arable field-tested the Mark with dozens of high­-profile beta partners, including Fortune 500 agribusiness and government agencies who validated the Mark’s value across the entire food supply chain.

The Mark comes equipped with cellular (2G/3G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for continuous connectivity. In addition, the Mark will be available with two different mounting configurations to cover nearly all applications: a vertical stake to sit above crops atop any pole, and a horizontal mount to attach to center pivots and pre-existing infrastructure.

The mounting system can be augmented with an imaging device for computer vision applications, and an additional accessory port allows for wired sensors (such as soil moisture or irrigation monitors), or even sensors communicating with LoRA or Sigfox to be used with the Mark telemetry system.

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The post Arable Labs raises $4.25 million to bring predictive analytics to … – VentureBeat appeared first on Big Data News Magazine.

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Rethinking Insurance to Improve Coffee Farmers’ Resilience 

Coffee farming is an unpredictable business, at times devastatingly so. Weather conditions can take us by surprise while crop diseases can be prevalent and persistent. Affecting both the yield and quality of a harvest, these issues leave insurance vitally important to the economic stability of farming communities.

Weather index insurance is an emerging concept that can help protect coffee farmers from the effects of adverse weather conditions and natural disasters. It can also reduce farmers’ dependence on government aid and help tackle deepening poverty in coffee-growing communities.

So why is it that so few coffee growers have heard of it? How can the coffee industry make it more accessible, and how exactly would it benefit the people at the start of the supply chain?

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Pickers on their way to harvest coffee cherries in Colombia. Credit: Propina

Why Is Insurance so Important?

Smallholder farmers in coffee-growing countries are far more likely to be impoverished than not. They make up two-thirds of those classed as poor in developing countries. 

They also contribute significantly to the local economy. When a coffee farmer has a bad year yet does not receive insurance payouts, their close-knit community will likely experience hardship too. A solid insurance plan ensures greater economic stability by supporting farmers through tough harvests. And its impact extends beyond the one farm, benefitting whole villages and towns.

Now, more than ever, poor insurance puts communities at risk. Climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather conditions and natural disasters. Droughts, harvest rains, fires, and floods can have catastrophic effects. 

Leaving farms even more vulnerable, rising temperatures are allowing pests and diseases to thrive at elevations where it used to be too cold for them to survive. It’s at these mountainous heights that coffee farmers often plant their best and most vulnerable coffee trees: ones associated with more delicate and complex flavours, and with that, higher prices. Unfortunately, with many of these varieties, the pay-off is reduced resistance to bugs, fungi, and illness.

Crawford Hawkins is the Founder and CEO of Harvest, an online marketplace launching soon that sells roasted coffee to consumers and businesses and helps to fund weather index insurance and working capital for coffee farmers. 5% of their sales is used to pay producers’ insurance premiums through Propina, a non-profit which means “tip” in Spanish. Additionally, when people buy coffee from Harvest, they can choose to “tip” producers by donating additional funds to cover their insurance policies.  

“When wet months are wetter and dry months are drier, the effect on smallholder coffee producers is severe,” he says. “The increased climate volatility means that the average temperatures across the coffee belt no longer align with their historical average. Weather is becoming more unpredictable and smallholder farmers lack the access to hedging tools to protect their livelihoods.” 

In this context, accessible and comprehensive insurance policies are increasingly needed.

You might also like What Is Coffee Hedging & How Does It Impact Producers?

A worker examines coffee seedlings at Finca Café Con Amor. Credit: Marianella Baez Jost

Insurance Policies That Cause More Problems Than Solutions

It has proven difficult for many smallholder farmers to access and claim on traditional crop insurance. The problem is that it’s just not designed with the daily realities of smallholder coffee farmers in mind. 

Kellie McCoy, Founder of consultancy specialists The Candra Group and previously Chief of Staff to Starbucks’ CEO, tells me, “Traditional insurance models take a policy holder’s assets into account and then assess premiums accordingly.” In other words, typical agricultural insurance involves insuring the crops themselves, mainly against any losses that the farmer might incur. 

Since the policy is based on the farmers’ crops and any losses specific to their farm, assessing value and damages is time-consuming and complex. In-person farm inspections might be required, a process that can be slowed down by poor or damaged infrastructure (especially after flooding). In the meantime, coffee farmers are left waiting and potentially spiralling into debt.

On top of this, traditional insurance can encourage producers to adopt risky farming methods. Since policies are based on the value of a crop, they reward higher yields. Producers can end up focusing on this over sustainable growth, nurturing the soil quality, and renovating plants (something which typically results in a short-term drop in harvest size in exchange for better returns two to three years later). 

If the farmer fails to increase their yield, their premium can increase and they will find themselves having to pay more with each contract renewal – meaning they have less money to invest in their farm.

These policies also fail to incentivise farmers to diversify their crops – and with that, their income – or plant shade crops, which help to increase the soil quality. There are often strict guidelines that the farmers must follow or else risk invalidating the policy, which can leave farmers unwilling to try something new.

Rich vegetation grows at Finca Café Con Amor in Costa Rica. Credit: Marianella Baez Jost

Turning to a New Type of Insurance

Some insurance brokers are turning away from traditional models and towards weather index insurance instead. It’s being hailed as a solution to many of the problems inherent to typical agricultural insurance.

In this model, variables such as rainfall, temperature, and wind speed in certain locations are measured using past data, local weather stations, and satellites. This data is then used to create indexes that determine standard ranges for these variables within that region. Coffee farmers and insurance companies then agree on certain levels of deviation for the most appropriate variables in a contract. 

Michael R. Carter is a professor at the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California in Davis, and also the director of the university’s BASIS Research Program. The program aims to provide economically disadvantaged families with the agricultural tools that they need to sustain themselves.

He describes how weather index-based insurance works when put into practice. “[It] issues payments based on a verifiable index measure that is related to the losses that insured farmers experience. Examples of such indexes include average yields within a locality, deficits or excesses of precipitation, and a suite of satellite-based measures that reflect plant health and growth and can be used to predict crop yields.”

The exact indices used will vary, but they are typically based on historic averages to make sure that they are relevant and accurate. Hawkins tells me, “The index weather insurance that we structure combines a 30-year average temperature or rainfall amount to create a smart contract at a local level, ensuring a payout when the weather deviates from the historical average.”

Coffee trees grow under shade cover. Credit: Marianella Baez Jost

How Weather Index Insurance Can Support Farmers

Weather index insurance shifts a significant amount of control back to farmers. It means that they aren’t held accountable by external parties to their crop’s yield. Nor are they dependent on farm inspections that are difficult to arrange: satellites can obtain all the data that the insurance company needs to process any claims filed by the farmers. 

As McCoy says, weather indexing “simplifies the insurance model”.

Since claims are automatic and based on data the insurance company already has, the payout can also be extremely quick. Wade Preston, Co-Owner of Prevail Coffee in Alabama, says, “When a crop-yield-affecting weather event occurs, the claim is automatically filed and the coffee grower receives a payout.

“If the coffee-growing world and the world of commercial insurance have anything in common, it’s that they are both notorious for working slowly and inefficiently. GPS-based weather indexing solves that problem on both ends.”

When farmers receive their insurance claim payouts faster, they can then recover from any monetary losses quicker. This is especially beneficial to economically disadvantaged farmers who may otherwise be forced to sell their equipment or even land to survive the wait.

McCoy hopes this new insurance model will help tackle the tendency for smallholder farmers to leave their farms and seek new jobs. “If we consider a single smallholder farmer who relies on the sale of the coffee… then a failed crop due to insufficient rainfall could force this one farmer to leave [their] rural area for a more reliable job in a nearby city,” she says. 

Healthy coffee trees grow in a biodiverse environment on Finca Café Con Amor. Credit: Marianella Baez Jost

Barriers to Obtaining Insurance

Although weather index insurance sounds like the ideal policy for farms today, Prof. Carter tells me that it is still not widely used. “Farmer demand for index insurance in many instances has been very low,” he says. 

A startling lack of awareness is one barrier. Weather index insurance has not been well-publicised in many cases. Nor is it widely understood, not even among farmers. Farmers in Kenya have reported being confused about when they would receive insurance payouts if there were fluctuation in the index, with risk-averse farmers were particularly likely to be wary because of this.

A significant number also did not consider the insurance to be worth the cost of the premiums. This is not a problem unique to weather indexing: after many years of ineffective traditional insurance, many producers simply don’t expect insurance to be useful. 

Marianella Baez Jost owns a coffee farm in Costa Rica. She tells me, “Insurance is not well known in coffee farming… Most people only purchase insurance because it is required for their vehicle or property mortgage.”

This issue is further compounded by financial barriers. Lower-income coffee growers are found to be more hesitant in taking out weather index-based insurance due to a lack of trust and understanding of it. 

Siddhartha Jha is the CEO and Founder of Arbol, a platform bringing together farms and capital providers to create weather index-based insurance contracts. He tells me, “Insurance is a key piece of financial infrastructure to help build resilience… for economically disadvantaged farmers… However, the market is still highly fragmented, opaque, expensive, and plagued with fees stemming from inefficiency.”

Weather index insurance can have a dramatic impact on producing communities. The problem is communicating it.

Marianella Baez Jost inspects coffee plants on her farm, Finca Café Con Amor. Credit: Zach Tarhini

Does Take-Up Begin With Coffee Cooperatives?

When we talk about smallholder farmers, the role of the community cannot be overlooked. Just as a poor harvest affects the entire village, an entire village of producers working together may be more inclined to try a new insurance model. It can make it easier to share accurate information about different policies, how to sign up, and how to make claims. 

In fact, research in Kenya found that offering insurance to a group of smallholder farms, as opposed to individuals, led to a better understanding of the insurance model. As the farmers discussed it together, their confidence in the system increased.

Propina is working on trials of weather index insurance with farming groups in Costa Rica, Colombia and Honduras. The farmers’ premiums are paid for by Harvest, which donates 5% of sales and also facilitates consumers “tipping” the producer at the point of sale. Roasters and other supply chain businesses can also match the donation to scale the social and environmental impact.

It’s early days for weather index insurance, but producers have high hopes for it. Rafael Silva of SICAFE Coffee says that he “really wants” to be able to access it.

“Coffee is a crop that 100% depends on nature…,” he explains. “Having insurance as a businessperson means you are protected, that in case of anything happening outside your control, you, your company, your product is safe or taken care of in times of a disaster. Having insurance provides me with a peace of mind and allows me to focus on the bigger picture.”

Good insurance can be life-changing. It can increase financial stability for producers, their families, and their communities. This opens the door not only to a better quality of life (the value of which should not be understated), but also the ability to plan ahead, manage risk, confidently expand, and feel secure about the future – things that are important in all businesses and in all our lives.

As Preston says, “We should be able to speak about financial instruments, processes, and infrastructure… just as clearly and articulately as we speak about coffee processing, roasting, and extraction – even if that means adding terms like ‘weather indexed crop insurance’ to our lexicon.”

Found this interesting? Read Sustainability in Coffee: What Are The Main Issues?

Written by Tasmin Grant. Feature photo: Coffee plants at Finca Café Con Amor in Cañuelas, Naranjo, Costa Rica. Feature photo credit: Marianella Baez Jost

Please note: This article has been sponsored by Propina.

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How Coffee Producers Can Benefit From Data

Producing coffee isn’t an easy process. The weather, water quality, soil quality, plant diseases, and technical issues can all impact a producer’s growing, harvesting, and processing efforts. 

While some of these variables might seem beyond anyone’s control, there are ways producers can learn from them, and use this information to their advantage.

Recording and tracking data at each stage of production (from harvesting to processing) could provide them with useful insights. Applying these insights could improve their practices and help them move closer to economic sustainability.

Here’s how producers can track data and use it to benefit their coffee production.

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Coffee cherries drying on raised beds at a farm in Brazil. Credit: Nicholas Yamada

Understanding Data’s Role in The Coffee Industry

Data can be a valuable resource for producers, and businesses like Cropster have created software to help coffee industry professionals record and track it. Recently Andreas Idl, (Cropster CEO and Co-Founder) shared his insights on it with the Specialty Coffee Association. In his lecture, he explained what data is and how the coffee industry can use it for its benefit.

According to Andreas, “data…describes our reality…and how we can understand what’s happening in coffee”. He adds that “everything we do in coffee is based on data…[It’s] all based on our perception and that’s all data”. 

A lack of data can impact many aspects of the coffee production process. Currently, insufficient data exists on the best practices for climate-resilient farming, and the different climates, soil types, and farming systems that coffee producers face. Without this kind of information, it’s difficult for producers to determine what actions are best suited to their unique situation.

Access to the right information can help them to improve the above aspects, while also helping them increase the consistency of their output and its quality. It can also act as a warning on future issues they might encounter and enhance their overall planning.

For this reason, producers need to learn how to record and analyse their data at every stage of the production process. In addition, they need to identify what kind of data would be most useful for them to collect.

View of a coffee farm in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Credit: Nicholas Yamada

What Kind of Data Are Coffee Producers Tracking?

To find out more about how producers are tracking data, I spoke to Juan Vargas. Juan is the Director of Coffee at Fazendas Klem, a specialty organic coffee estate in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

According to Juan, producers should be recording costs, expenses, crop applications, their pest [and disease] control measures, production times, production processes, and production sales. He also mentions the different stages of production including planting, harvesting, picking, milling, drying, parchment removal, and roasting.

Marcelo Flanzer is Coffee Director at Ecoagricola – a 1 500 hectare specialty coffee farm in Minas Gerais and Cup of Excellence Brazil 2019 winner. He was specific regarding the type of information he believes producers should record, and believes that every coffee lot should have certain information collected on it. 

He mentions that this should include the precise plot location, when each step of the harvesting process was undertaken, how the coffee was processed, its commercial stock lot number, what kind of coffee qualities have been specified, and much more. 

Coffee flowers starting to blossom.Credit: Nicholas Yamada

Benefits of Recording Data

By recording the information Marcelo mentions as well as other details (such as the sizes and colors of the cherries produced and how much time has passed since planting), producers can improve or even change the time, place, and environment of their production. They can also plan their expenses better, or expand to grow different or more appropriate varieties of coffees.

Based on the information acquired from the data, producers can also “Plan next year’s investments [and] outputs, [grow] better quality coffees, prevent problems, [identify new opportunities] for improvement, [better] understand each processing method, and improve [their] techniques on drying coffee lots,” says.

Iris Alvarado is a Cupper and Certification Expert at Cooperativa Capucas, a Honduran organic coffee-producing cooperative that serves the international market. She explains that she “Keep[s] records to evaluate the productivity and management of every farm, as well as to see…how each farm is adapting to climate change depending on environmental practices that producers are applying in their farm”. 

It’s vital that producers are able to understand and interpret the data that’s collected. By grasping its implications they’ll be able to accurately evaluate their own performance and make decisions based on its conclusions. 

Coffee trees at Finca La Fany in El Salvador. Credit: Julio Guevara

Overcoming Common Obstacles to Collecting Data

Many coffee producers have the desire and commitment to start using data collection as a tool, but don’t have the resources or know-how to begin. A lack of knowledge on where to collect or access data, as well as a fear that it will be misinterpreted, misused or cause errors, are common obstacles producers face. 

Producers unsure of where to begin should start by participating in coffee competitions, as this will give them the opportunity to showcase their coffee, while hearing suggestions on how they can improve their offering directly from experts. This will give them a better idea of what roasters and importers are looking for in coffee. By identifying where they need to improve, they’ll also have a better idea of where they should be collecting data. 

Contacting coffee and agricultural institutions may also help producers learn more about their products, best practices that other farmers are adopting, and how they can keep track of data. In addition, there are public and private institutions that offer funding to farmers to help them to develop their farming systems, which includes getting the right tools to track data. 

Unripe coffee cherries on a coffee tree at Finca La Fany in El Salvador. Credit: Julio Guevara

Once they’re ready to begin the physical process of collection, producers can use the following steps as guidelines:

1. Decide what data they want to collect, based on the goals they’ve outlined for themselves or areas they’ve identified are in need of improvement. For example, a producer wanting to farm at higher levels can collect data on the relationship between coffee quality and altitude.

2. Formulate a plan for collecting the data, as well as a time frame for data collection. 

3. Determine the most appropriate data collection method, taking into account the type of information that needs to be collected. Producers can record what they do in every stage using online tracking tools. These tools focus on data and information analysis and can be used to improve coffee production farming practices.

Vargas suggests “Creat[ing] an Excel file to record production daily activities step by step. For example, harvest date, lot number, variety (Catuai, Bourbon, Castillo), [and the] type of transportation [that they use].”

4. Track and record data, checking and updating it regularly as conditions change and new information is added. This can include looking for patterns in how coffee plants behave in specific conditions, or what colors, sizes, or textures thrive at different land altitudes.

Following these steps, producers will be able to gain the insight required to make decisions. This can help them improve their farming practices and economic sustainability.

Coffee farmer walking through coffee trees at Finca La Siberia in El Salvador. Credit: Julio Guevara

What’s Next For Coffee Producers And Data?

Climate change, plant diseases, and poverty are all serious threats to farmers, their families, and their coffee production efforts. Keeping track of and recording data might be exactly what’s needed to help them adopt more sustainable practices, increase their productivity, and get more out of their existing land. Consequently, any effort to address these issues must match the size and scope of the problem.

Not all coffee producers will be in the same position to begin using data to their benefit. Depending on the budget and scope of the producer in question (as well as how far along they are in the data collection process), different steps will be appropriate. For some, simply recognising the importance of data and beginning to collect it will be the first step. 

Technology has a significant role to play here. There’s a good chance that this will involve the Internet of Things, which describes how everyday objects are increasingly becoming connected to the internet, and how they use the internet to communicate with each other. It will also involve the Blockchain. 

Blockchain technology allows parties to distribute, differentiate, and verify trade that takes place between groups. Every step of the transaction is recorded and monitored by third parties. It’s then grouped into blocks of transactions, with related blocks linking together to form a chain, or “blockchain.”

Coffee producers can use this to communicate and authenticate the quality, origin, and pricing of their coffee to buyers. In turn, it can assure producers that the buyer is committed to (and can afford) the purchase. Businesses such as iFinca are already using the technology to connect producers to global markets and ensure they get fair prices for their crops.

Technology will also encourage the development of smart agriculture. This is evident through farmers adopting sensors and using unmanned aerial vehicles or drones to monitor and record everything from fruit size to crop health. It’s already being used to help Kenyan farmers record their expenses, revenues, and yields – and in turn use this information in their loan applications.

Farmer picking cherries at the Jiwaka Coffee Limited mill in Jiwaka Province in the Waghi valley. Credit: Tim Bieber

As the usage of such data and data collection tools become more widespread and its costs decrease, this could represent an enormous opportunity for coffee producers to improve their crop quality and overall sustainability. Whether the data is acquired through cutting-edge technology or tried and tested methods, it’s what the producer does with it that will make the biggest difference. 

Enjoyed this? Read How Coffee Producers Can Adapt to Climate Change

Article written by Miguel A. Hernández Zambrano. All quotes from Juan Vargas and Iris Alvarez translated from Spanish by the writer. Featured photo: Jiwaka Coffee Limited mill in Jiwaka Province in the Waghi valley, photo by Tim Bieber 

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Arable Labs raises $4.25 million to bring predictive analytics to farming – VentureBeat

Arable Labs has raised $4.25 million to bring data-driven analysis and predictions to farming.

The Princeton, N.J.-based startup uses sensors for the Internet of Things, or making everyday objects smart and connected, to collect data on a farm, measuring everything from moisture on a micro level to air temperature.

Agriculture is about 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, accounting for around $7.8 trillion. It is expected to become a $20 trillion market by 2050. Agtech, meanwhile, is generating billions of dollars in funding a year. The company will begin shipping the Arable Mark sensor platform this spring and will make it more widely available through distributors later this year.

Middleland Capital‘s agriculture technology fund and S2G Ventures led the round, which also includes participation from new investors Chase Field, Spark Labs, and Cantos VC. With the new funds, the company will support expansion of data science and analytics for the food and ag supply chain, fueled by mass production of the Arable Mark IoT device (formerly known as PulsePod) later this year.

Above: Arable measures dozens of types of data on farms.

Image Credit: Arable Labs

The Arable Mark offers insight into crop status and microclimate to drive operational decisions. It helps calculated crop yields and quality that aid sales and logistics decisions, and it provides retailers with traceability and offers transparency into the production conditions valued by consumers.

“Middleland and S2G are rare investors who understand the whole food supply system, from genetics and chemistry to production agriculture to the brands that bring it to our tables,” said Adam Wolf, CEO of Arable, in a statement. “What joins all these players is their shared exposure to production risk, of simply not knowing what will come out of the field in a month or even a week out. We’re excited to bring predictive analytics to agriculture and make a dent in the trillions of dollars wasted when food doesn’t make it from field to fork.”

The company said the Arable Mark measures more dimensions of physical meteorology, at greater spatial density, than any weather model or station network, and more plant attributes, at greater frequency, than any satellite or aircraft. By measuring over 40 individual environmental data streams, the Mark is the most data-rich device available in the IoT market, Arable Labs said.

“I have been incredibly impressed by the product innovation at Arable,” said Brian Mixer, managing director of Middleland Capital and new Arable board member, in a statement. “Adam and his team have developed a clear value proposition as the critical business intelligence that connects producers and processors. Accurate forecasting is in many ways a holy grail in agriculture, and Arable has brought together a rare group of product engineers, biologists, and mathematicians to solve this critical issue in the food supply chain.”

The Mark’s launch coincides with the all-new cloud-based Arable Insights software platform for crop consultants, farmers, large-scale producers, and food processors in the agricultural supply chain. Insights enables each stakeholder to communicate with trusted business partners based on real-time field-level data.

It is now possible for managers to benchmark crop performance and seasonal progress across hundreds of fields while also being able to drill down and understand the details of growth or weather events. The data synthesis of weather and crop growth enables Arable to predict timing, quality perishability, and yield. The company plans to expand the Insights platform data interoperability with a number of key integrations throughout the year, particularly Valley Irrigation’s AgSense and Irrigation Exchange.

Above: Arable Labs’ Mark provides analytics on farm trends.

Image Credit: Arable Labs

“We’ve been waiting for someone to bring the Internet of Things and predictive analytics to agriculture, similar to the surge we have seen in medicine, energy, transportation, and other traditional industries,” said Sanjeev Krishnan, managing director at S2G Ventures, in a statement. “Arable is solving the financial risk embodied in transactions between growers and processors, especially in specialty crops that exist outside of commodities exchanges.”

During the past year, Arable field-tested the Mark with dozens of high­-profile beta partners, including Fortune 500 agribusiness and government agencies who validated the Mark’s value across the entire food supply chain.

The Mark comes equipped with cellular (2G/3G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for continuous connectivity. In addition, the Mark will be available with two different mounting configurations to cover nearly all applications: a vertical stake to sit above crops atop any pole, and a horizontal mount to attach to center pivots and pre-existing infrastructure.

The mounting system can be augmented with an imaging device for computer vision applications, and an additional accessory port allows for wired sensors (such as soil moisture or irrigation monitors) or even sensors communicating with LoRA or Sigfox to be used with the Mark telemetry system.

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The post Arable Labs raises $4.25 million to bring predictive analytics to farming – VentureBeat appeared first on Big Data News Magazine.

from Arable Labs raises $4.25 million to bring predictive analytics to farming – VentureBeat

[bigdatanewsmagazine]

Arable Labs raises $4.25 million to bring predictive analytics to farming – VentureBeat

Arable Labs has raised $4.25 million to bring data-driven analysis and predictions to farming.

The Princeton, N.J.-based startup uses sensors for the Internet of Things, or making everyday objects smart and connected, to collect data on a farm, measuring everything from moisture on a micro level to air temperature.

Agriculture is about 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, accounting for around $7.8 trillion. It is expected to become a $20 trillion market by 2050. Agtech, meanwhile, is generating billions of dollars in funding a year. The company will begin shipping the Arable Mark sensor platform this spring and will make it more widely available through distributors later this year.

Middleland Capital‘s agriculture technology fund and S2G Ventures led the round, which also includes participation from new investors Chase Field, Spark Labs, and Cantos VC. With the new funds, the company will support expansion of data science and analytics for the food and ag supply chain, fueled by mass production of the Arable Mark IoT device (formerly known as PulsePod) later this year.

Above: Arable measures dozens of types of data on farms.

Image Credit: Arable Labs

The Arable Mark offers insight into crop status and microclimate to drive operational decisions. It helps calculated crop yields and quality that aid sales and logistics decisions, and it provides retailers with traceability and offers transparency into the production conditions valued by consumers.

“Middleland and S2G are rare investors who understand the whole food supply system, from genetics and chemistry to production agriculture to the brands that bring it to our tables,” said Adam Wolf, CEO of Arable, in a statement. “What joins all these players is their shared exposure to production risk, of simply not knowing what will come out of the field in a month or even a week out. We’re excited to bring predictive analytics to agriculture and make a dent in the trillions of dollars wasted when food doesn’t make it from field to fork.”

The company said the Arable Mark measures more dimensions of physical meteorology, at greater spatial density, than any weather model or station network, and more plant attributes, at greater frequency, than any satellite or aircraft. By measuring over 40 individual environmental data streams, the Mark is the most data-rich device available in the IoT market, Arable Labs said.

“I have been incredibly impressed by the product innovation at Arable,” said Brian Mixer, managing director of Middleland Capital and new Arable board member, in a statement. “Adam and his team have developed a clear value proposition as the critical business intelligence that connects producers and processors. Accurate forecasting is in many ways a holy grail in agriculture, and Arable has brought together a rare group of product engineers, biologists, and mathematicians to solve this critical issue in the food supply chain.”

The Mark’s launch coincides with the all-new cloud-based Arable Insights software platform for crop consultants, farmers, large-scale producers, and food processors in the agricultural supply chain. Insights enables each stakeholder to communicate with trusted business partners based on real-time field-level data.

It is now possible for managers to benchmark crop performance and seasonal progress across hundreds of fields while also being able to drill down and understand the details of growth or weather events. The data synthesis of weather and crop growth enables Arable to predict timing, quality perishability, and yield. The company plans to expand the Insights platform data interoperability with a number of key integrations throughout the year, particularly Valley Irrigation’s AgSense and Irrigation Exchange.

Above: Arable Labs’ Mark provides analytics on farm trends.

Image Credit: Arable Labs

“We’ve been waiting for someone to bring the Internet of Things and predictive analytics to agriculture, similar to the surge we have seen in medicine, energy, transportation, and other traditional industries,” said Sanjeev Krishnan, managing director at S2G Ventures, in a statement. “Arable is solving the financial risk embodied in transactions between growers and processors, especially in specialty crops that exist outside of commodities exchanges.”

During the past year, Arable field-tested the Mark with dozens of high­-profile beta partners, including Fortune 500 agribusiness and government agencies who validated the Mark’s value across the entire food supply chain.

The Mark comes equipped with cellular (2G/3G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for continuous connectivity. In addition, the Mark will be available with two different mounting configurations to cover nearly all applications: a vertical stake to sit above crops atop any pole, and a horizontal mount to attach to center pivots and pre-existing infrastructure.

The mounting system can be augmented with an imaging device for computer vision applications, and an additional accessory port allows for wired sensors (such as soil moisture or irrigation monitors) or even sensors communicating with LoRA or Sigfox to be used with the Mark telemetry system.

Sign up for Funding Daily: Get the latest news in your inbox every weekday.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Originally posted on http://ift.tt/2nnf8ZC

The post Arable Labs raises $4.25 million to bring predictive analytics to farming – VentureBeat appeared first on Big Data News Magazine.

from Arable Labs raises $4.25 million to bring predictive analytics to farming – VentureBeat