Agricultural technology shifts toward AI and satellite monitoring

The European Commission has adopted a new strategic approach for research and innovation in agriculture, forestry, and food systems by merging the AgRI 2040 and Food 2040 frameworks. This strategy shifts the focus from funding research as an end goal to emphasizing the practical demonstration and real-world testing of technologies on farms. Key priority areas include digitalization, artificial intelligence, robotics, soil health, and climate resilience to address challenges such as drought and extreme temperatures.

In the United States, the USDA is launching a pilot project with NASA to enhance crop monitoring through satellite imagery and artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to reduce discrepancies between preliminary and final crop estimates for corn, wheat, and soybeans. By utilizing high-resolution satellite data and machine learning, the USDA intends to provide more frequent and precise updates on crop health and acreage, helping to stabilize global grain markets that rely on accurate agricultural statistics.