Predicting yields or analyzing the water stress of plants are some of the possibilities for data management in the agricultural sector, as highlighted by several experts at Expo AgriTech, the Malaga 4.0 fair. Knowing in advance the quantity of fruit that will be obtained and the caliber allows you to organize marketing, as underlined in Malaga by the director of Research, Development and Innovation (R+D+i) and Sustainability of the main national avocado distributor, the cooperative Too many, Paula Ruiz. The nearly 4,000 producers of this company generate data on farms and the company works with this information in a connected way in an environment of sovereignty and governance.
Ruiz explained that the challenges are therehomogeneity of informationthat is well labeled and organized for further exploitation, and get all farmers – most Trops do - to provide data through an application, towards solutions that can be developed from here With data on what happens in the farm, like applied irrigation, try to anticipate, know where you need to improve and automate processes. After analyzing the data, they can determine, for example, the staff they will need to cover a campaign. They have known for a long time how the avocado campaign, which has just begun, will go, and they still have some time to predict next year’s mango campaign.
“Camp 4.0 is here”
“Field 4.0 is here, it is the present”, says the manager of a department created in Trops almost seven years ago, while the company’s agronomists have been investigating more than two decades. For his part, the professor of Languages and Information Systems at the University of Málaga (UMA), José Francisco Aldana, assured that “being able to predict precisely when you will receive the harvest allows you to know when you will have to put it on the market” . Also “be able to plan the collection of products from a logistical or energy point of view analyse plant water stressHe highlighted the importance of drone flights to monitor what is happening on a farm, to monitor its quality or to know whether water consumption from underground aquifers is adequate.
THE’UMA Institute of Software Technology and Engineering deals with these data issues and has been applying the knowledge to precision agriculture for many years. They have created a demonstration center for federated data spaces in the agricultural sector in Andalusia, a project funded by the central government and which uses the collaboration of the Government of Andalusia to publicize these technologies and the importance for the sector of exploiting the value of related data to agricultural production.
Digital sovereignty
He also emphasized that it is share data in safe and reliable spaces and where digital sovereignty is maintained and that “data ownership is not compromised”, while admitting that trust in the exchange of data with third parties “is one of the major obstacles faced by large platforms that bundle technologies, with some resistance from part”. the sector, no longer having control over the data, believes that “more open models are interesting in which the data remains under the control of the data owner and you can change service providers more easily”, as in the case of number portability telephone, except that competition would mean lower prices and more innovation. At UMA they have also created a more cross-cutting center for innovation and research in data spaces.
What is ‘Field 4.0’ and how is it reshaping modern farming practices?
Interview: The Future of Agriculture – Data-Driven Insights from Expo AgriTech
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Hello and welcome to today’s interview. We are diving into the fascinating world of agricultural technology and data management, especially in light of the recent discussions at Expo AgriTech. Joining us is Paula Ruiz, director of Research, Development and Innovation (R+D+i) and Sustainability at the cooperative Too many, one of the major avocado distributors in Spain. Paula, thank you for being here!
Paula Ruiz: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss these critical advancements in agriculture.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the groundbreaking concept of ‘Field 4.0’ that you mentioned at the Expo. Could you explain what this means for farmers today?
Paula Ruiz: Absolutely! ‘Field 4.0’ signifies the integration of smart technologies into agriculture. It emphasizes data management, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring—tools that are essential for modern farming. We’re leveraging data to optimize irrigation, predict yields, and even plan for labor needs ahead of time.
Interviewer: That sounds revolutionary. How exactly does data collection help avocado producers like yourself in making more informed decisions?
Paula Ruiz: Well, by gathering data on various aspects of our farms—like irrigation levels and crop health—we can analyze trends and make predictions. For example, we can know in advance how many avocados we’ll harvest and their quality, which helps us plan marketing strategies more effectively. This not only improves our operational efficiency but also supports sustainability by reducing waste.
Interviewer: Interesting! You mentioned challenges around the homogeneity of information. Why is this such a vital concern for data management in agriculture?
Paula Ruiz: Ensuring that the data is well-labeled and organized is crucial because inconsistent data can lead to inaccurate analysis. Our goal is to get all producers to input their information through a standardized application. When everyone contributes uniform data, it enhances our ability to develop targeted solutions and streamline processes.
Interviewer: You also mentioned drones in your presentation. How are they contributing to the agricultural landscape?
Paula Ruiz: Drones have become instrumental in monitoring plant water stress and overall crop health. They provide real-time visual data, enabling us to spot issues before they escalate. This technology allows agronomists to make quick, informed decisions, ensuring that we maintain optimal growing conditions.
Interviewer: Professor José Francisco Aldana emphasized the logistical benefits of predicting harvest times. How does this impact marketing and distribution for your cooperative?
Paula Ruiz: Being able to predict harvest much earlier enables us to coordinate logistics and marketing strategies proactively. For instance, we can arrange for transportation and storage solutions ahead of time, ensuring that our avocados reach the market at peak freshness. It’s all about creating a seamless supply chain that responds to demand more effectively.
Interviewer: Forward-thinking indeed! In closing, Paula, what is the future you envision for digital agriculture?
Paula Ruiz: The future is definitely data-driven. I see a world where farmers, collaborators, and consumers are all interconnected through technology. This will lead to not only more efficient farming practices but also greater sustainability and resilience in agriculture. We’re just at the beginning of this vital transformation!
Interviewer: Thank you, Paula, for sharing your insights on this exciting frontier in agriculture. The potential for technological advancement in farming is indeed promising!
Paula Ruiz: Thank you for having me! It’s a privilege to be part of this conversation.
Interviewer: And that’s a wrap for today’s interview. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions on innovations transforming various sectors, including agriculture!