Advanced technologies for industry : product watch : satellites and drones for less intensive farming and arable crops

Digital technologies are rapidly changing agricultural practices today. Farmers still struggle to adopt the technologies that are suitable for their specific practices, often due to high investment cost, both financially and in terms of skills. Specific evidence for all types of arable crops are needed to sufficiently encourage farmers to take up the practices in their specific field, where further customisation is frequently needed. The report specifically zooms in on the use of satellite and drone technologies for arable crop farming, providing an overview of the context, value chain and relevant stakeholders. The objective is to map the key players in the satellite and drone technology for arable crops value chain, as well as to identify their strengths and weaknesses, also in comparison with international players. Analyses were based on desk-research, interviews as well as on the internal expertise of IDEA Consult on the subject.