Latest news with #EuropeanInstituteofInnovationandTechnology
Agriland
7 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
EU funds development of AI-powered platform for sustainable potato farming
Research continues apace to make greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the European potato sector. The driver here is the development of new, regenerative management systems that will, amongst other things, reduce the use of fungicide chemistries to control blight. A case in point is the allocation of £700,000 support funding through the European Commission's European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food Innovation Agency to the UK-based agritech company Cropin. The work will entail using real-time field data, computer models, and predictive analytics to secure objective data points that can be used to verify the effects of regenerative methods without compromising potato crop yield or quality, including the dry matter content sought by processors. Known as 'FIRST Potato - Field Intelligence for Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainability in Potato Farming', Cropin's AI-powered initiative is designed to encourage the adoption of regenerative practices across Europe. It brings together a consortium of food processors, research institutions, and sustainability leaders to accelerate the transition from conventional to regenerative practice. Krishna Kumar, CEO and founder of Cropin said: "As regenerative agriculture gains momentum, the absence of verifiable, measurable outcomes poses a real challenge to meaningful, scalable impact. "Without robust digital systems, farmers struggle to consistently uphold regenerative principles. 'Through AI, data intelligence, and real-time decision-support, we are bridging this critical gap, bringing precision, accountability, and scale to regenerative agriculture.' The AI-powered technology will pull together data from sensors, satellite imagery, weather stations, and internet devices to deliver plot-specific daily advisories to growers, tailored to soil profile and microclimatic conditions. The technology is intended to optimise irrigation, input usage and residue management to help farmers manage optimal yield, reduced inputs, and the consistency in quality demanded by processors of crisps and chips. Looking to the future, regenerative crop management practices should be able to meet these demands. However, evidence shows yields can fall in the early years of transition. This is where the AI technology will assist farmers in optimising production. According to Cropin, initially, the scientific validation of the AI platform will be carried out on farms in Denmark, where Cropin has partnered with Aarhus University, a globally recognised leader in sustainable agriculture research. However, the first commercial pilots will involve a UK potato processor, with a second to follow in Germany. "This deployment will deliver collective benefits," Kumar explained. "Growers enhance their profitability, brands meet their sustainability targets, and regenerative practices benefit the planet: it's a win-win for the entire agri-food ecosystem."
Leaders
20-02-2025
- Business
- Leaders
SFDA Boosts Cooperation with European Institute of Innovation and Technology
The Chief Executive of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, has met with the Chief Executive of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Richard Zaltzman, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The meeting delved into SFDA's initiatives to boost research and innovation. Both parties also shared their expertise in food safety and discussed how to promote sustainable solutions that meet global market demands. During the meeting, Aljadhey underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing an entrepreneurial environment and capturing more startups in food innovation. To this end, the Kingdom has been providing business incubators and technology accelerators in line with Saudi Vision 2030. SFDA Boosts Cooperation with European Institute of Innovation and Technology Furthermore, the meeting tackled the significance of attracting European startups to invest in the Kingdom's food sector. In this context, he also emphasized the importance of fostering international partnerships and advancing innovative food solutions. Crucially, this strategic approach highlights Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in creating a business-friendly environment for innovators and supporting food security through research and development. Such meetings and partnerships between the authority and the international entities boosts the Kingdom's dedication to investing in the food sector and offering effective solutions to ensure sustainable food security. Related Topics: SFDA Unveils AI Lab at LEAP25 to Boost Health Innovation SFDA: National Biotechnology Strategy Highlights Saudi Leadership in Medical Innovation Is wheat harmful to the intestine? SFDA clarifies the truth Short link : Post Views: 7
