Offering ESA space solutions to complex agricultural challenges with young farmers from the Duin- en Bollenstreek

Following the green and digital transition, farmers are under constant pressure to increase sustainability. Although they aren’t a solution to the entire puzzle farmers need to solve, space technology and data could potentially offer some interesting pieces of the puzzle. Satellites for instance can provide detailed information about crop health, moisture levels, and nutrient content, allowing farmers to optimise their resources and reduce waste. With the idea of taking this potential to the field, 30 young farmers from the Duin- en Bollenstreek region were invited at SBIC to connect with the space community and selected experts to discuss bottlenecks and potential solutions. 

During the meeting, the farmers presented several of the complex agricultural challenges they face in growing their bulbs. Of course, the disconnect between the daily practice of these well-intending farmers and the drastic and often unnuanced measures of the government came up regularly. The in-depth dialogue between the farmers and experts mainly circled around two topics: the added value of using more precise data and the technological options available to increase the quality of the most important conditions: soil health, water levels, crop protection and biodiversity. 

In our role as ESA Technology Broker Netherlands together with SBIC Noordwijk , we used this meeting and especially the networking that happened over drinks after the meeting to further exchange knowledge and connect the attending farmers and experts so they can explore how to work together on the discussed topics. The seeds have been planted for a fruitful collaboration!

Read more about the Space2Agri event and get in touch with the ESA Technology Broker for the Netherlands here.

Do you have an idea to connect space technology with societal challenges? Send an email to m.leinweber@sbicnoordwijk.nl.