Turning Data into Decisions in AgriFood

Turning Data into Decisions in AgriFood

Harnessing the power of Big Data to generate new insights, practices and products is one of the key priorities of today's AgriFood supply chain. Numerous sensors and connected devices are deployed to help AgriFood companies to collect data related to production, processing, and distribution of AgriFood products, referred to as Internet of Things (IoT). Software applications with machine learning are required to collect, analyse, and integrate data, connect devices and guide decision making within the AgriFood supply chain. Data can help farmers to optimise inputs and adjust crops and land management regimes depending on many variable conditions between the fields, crop varieties, and climatic conditions. Data can also help suppliers of crop protection products to produce more accurate recommendations, or to gather evidence on their efficacy with more precision, reducing their use and environmental impact.

The event is likely to attract a lot of interest due to the fact that the issue of turning data into decisions is affecting all sectors in the AgriFood supply chain, as well as regulators. There is a considerable body of knowledge and tools available on use of data in agriculture, but a disruptive innovation is needed to make a better use of these knowledge and tools. More data exchange for collaboration and business process control in the chain is necessary in order to combine data and create more value. There is a demand for common pool investments into data sharing platforms, data standards, and infrastructure.