Exploring agricultural transformation through the lens of the burgeoning newspace economy
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has unveiled an ambitious strategic framework called the 'Four Betters'. This initiative emphasizes technology, data, and innovation in agriculture, aiming to address the challenges posed by climate change and the need for increased food production.
In the face of urgent demands for satellite resources, the cost of a very high-quality hyperspectral image is approximately 35€/km². However, additional processing costs for satellite imagery can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the requested service. On the other hand, a low-quality hyperspectral image is available for around 2€/km².
To support the development of advanced satellite technologies in agriculture, large agrifood companies and government agencies may be potential funders. For instance, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, a leading research organisation in Germany, has invested 80 million euros in the "Biogene Wertschöpfung und Smart Farming" initiative. This funding is shared equally between the German federal government and states, with the aim of creating sustainable agricultural technologies.
The FAO has also established an open-access platform for geospatial data, tools, and resources. This platform sources data from leading public data providers across the UN, NGOs, academia, private sector, and space agencies.
By 2050, global agriculture will need to produce nearly 50% more food than it did in 2012. With yields of wheat, maize, and barley plateauing in many parts of the world, this increase will be crucial to feed the growing global population, which is projected to surpass 10 billion by 2060. Production in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa will need to more than double by 2050.
The FAO's 'Four Betters' initiative is a significant step towards addressing these challenges. The strategy aims to make agriculture more sustainable, resilient, and productive. However, releasing more public funds for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in agriculture is a viable short-term solution, but requires intense and prolonged political efforts.
Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural production. The Earth Observation sector may shift its attention to more lucrative industries if public funding is not sufficient. A single satellite image may not be sufficient for decision-making and long sequences taken over several days or weeks may be needed. Subscription plans for regular users may be available, but the financial burden remains substantial.
In the long term, the FAO's 'Four Betters' initiative, coupled with increased public and private funding, could revolutionise agriculture, making it more efficient, sustainable, and capable of feeding the growing global population. The FAO's open-access platform for geospatial data, tools, and resources will play a crucial role in this transformation.
The farming model adopted by higher income countries in the 1950s is reaching its limits. The need for a new, more sustainable, and efficient farming model has never been greater. The FAO's 'Four Betters' initiative is a step in the right direction, but it will require continued political will, investment, and innovation to ensure a food-secure future for all.
