These new technologies, also known as digital agriculture, are important as we strive to feed a growing global population while protecting natural resources and ecosystems. They help farmers make informed decisions, optimize resource use and improve productivity.

Through smart farming, it is possible to better adapt to the uncertainties brought about by climate change, minimize environmental impacts and promote resilience in agricultural production. Enabling more production with fewer resources, this not only ensures food security but also contributes to a healthier planet.

Smart agriculture refers to the use of modern information communication technology (ICT) and data analytics in agriculture. Done right, it will optimize and increase the efficiency of food production – improving sustainability and thereby supporting biodiversity and planetary renewal, while helping to eliminate food waste.

A recent ISO report defines smart farming as “principled, data-driven decision-making across the agricultural and food value chain that takes place as multi-objective optimization in the context of global volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.”

Built on cutting-edge technologies, such as agricultural drones, robotics and IoT sensors, smart farming offers a global vision of modern agriculture. It seamlessly connects the entire food value chain, linking systems through standardized data formats. Smart agriculture is digital agriculture that is data-driven, efficient and sustainable.

Advanced connectivity unlocks the potential of precision practices, such as variable-rate fertilization, soil monitoring, yield mapping and livestock monitoring. Smart farming technology collects data on crops, soil conditions, weather patterns, etc. The data is then analyzed to make decisions that help make more efficient use of resources like water, fertilizers and pesticides. This efficiency maximizes output while minimizing waste.