CottonWISE: Using Earth Observation for Sustainable Cotton Farming

Introducing CottonWISE - Using Earth Observation to connect crop water use and sustainability standards in cotton farming. eLEAF is proud to kick off CottonWISE, an ESA-funded feasibility study that brings Earth Observation technology to the world of sustainable cotton production. Today, around 25% of global cotton is grown under sustainability standards. Yet, despite increasing concerns about global water scarcity, agricultural water use is still underrepresented in certification schemes and regulatory frameworks. CottonWISE (Water Intelligence and Sustainability Evaluation) not only explores how satellite-based monitoring can provide insights into water use at both field and basin scale, but also aims to include water use as a quantifiable criterion for sustainability certification. CottonWISE is designed as a modular EO-based monitoring system built around three services: ▪️ CottonWISE Decision Support – guiding on-farm water management and sustainability improvements. ▪️ CottonWISE Benchmarking –comparing water productivity across regions and cotton production systems. ▪️ CottonWISE Verification – verifying sustainability claims for certification and regulatory frameworks. During our one-year study, we will listen to and learn from the perspectives, goals, and challenges faced by different stakeholder groups in the cotton value chain. We will meet with certification bodies, industry organisations, producers, farmer cooperatives, and brands. Interested? ➡️ Contact us to get involved! A special thanks to European Space Agency - ESA and NSO - Netherlands Space Office (Netherlands Space Office) for their support in making this study possible and to our WaterSENSE partners for providing the stepping stones. Stay tuned for updates!

🐄☘️💡“It’s ‘common-sense’ farming” 💡🌾🚜 Exciting news – my first paper has been published in the Journal of Rural Studies! The paper examines farmer decision-making in relation to circular practices, with a focus on how collaboration, intermediary support and policy frameworks shape choices on the ground. 🤝♻️🌍 📖 You can read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/eV7D9BKE Key findings include: • Farmers viewed circular agriculture as a ‘win-win’ solution offering economic, social and environmental benefits, bridging both ‘environmentalist’ and ‘productivist’ priorities. • The principles of circularity were recognised as ‘common-sense’, aligning with farmers’ existing knowledge and values, and reinforcing their identity as ‘good [food producing] farmers’. • Circular agriculture has the potential to contribute meaningfully to achieving net zero targets while being acceptable and practical for farmers. I am very grateful to my co-authors, and to the farmers, industry and policy representatives who generously shared their time and insights. I look forward to building on this research and to further discussions on how we can support farmers in moving towards more circular and sustainable agricultural systems. Bangor University | CircAgric-GHG

Smart farming refers to using modern information communication technology (ICT) and data analytics in agriculture. If done right, it will optimize and increase the efficiency of food production – improving sustainability and therefore supporting biodiversity and planetary renewal – and help eliminate food waste. #iso #smartfarming #ict #foodwaste #sustainability #agriculture https://rpb.li/VEMbmd

The 8th International Farming System Design Conference is a blast! Held on the splendid campus of the University of Paris-Saclay, the conference explores the theme: “Farming Systems Design for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Theories and Practices.” Yesterday, Prof. Rachel Bezner Kerr from Cornell University delivered a powerful opening keynote on Agroecological Food System Design Across Global North and South Contexts. My key takeaway: the social and political dimensions of agroecology are what truly distinguish it from related concepts like conservation agriculture. These aspects are not just complementary—they are defining. This was followed by a provocative keynote by Prof. Philippe Baret from UC Louvain on Accelerating the Transition: A Multi-Scale Approach. Two insights stood out for me: Barriers to sustainable transitions are often structural (macro-level), while most adoption studies focus on the farm level (micro-level). Binary thinking—such as agroecological vs. conventional agriculture—is unhelpful. It oversimplifies reality and hinders cross-learning. Instead, we should focus on scaling good practices that support sustainable transitions and enhance ambition within conventional systems. Today, Prof. Katrien Descheemaeker from Wageningen University gave an excellent keynote on Transitioning to Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Going Beyond the Systemic Rhetoric. Her talk highlighted the issue of “system washing”—the frequent use of the term “systems research” without clear definitions or methodological grounding. She offered a framework to help researchers organize their thinking and practice both methodologically and in terms of outcomes. In the second keynote, Chloe Lecomte (CIRAD) and Elsa Berthet (INRAE France) spoke on Agriculture by Design: How to Address Agricultural Challenges Differently. I appreciated how they linked design thinking with systems thinking, offering insights into what it means to design discrete products versus designing systemic change. The latter, as expected, is complex and requires empowering actors for self-organization and learning. The parallel sessions were equally fascinating, with rich discussions on systems analysis, design/redesign, system change, and transformation. Overall, I find the entire experience intellectually enriching and deeply engaging. Anthony Whitbread Kindu MekonnenHaimanot SeifuIddo Dror CGIAR Sustainable Farming CGIAR Scaling for Impact Marc Schut Esther Kihoro PhD

🌱 Carbon Farming Trends: Challenges & Opportunities for Agritech 🌍 As the world moves closer to its net-zero targets, agriculture is finding itself at the center of the climate conversation. Covering nearly 12% of global land and contributing almost 30% of GHG emissions, farming is both a challenge and a solution. This is where carbon farming steps in — a growing practice where farmers and foresters adopt eco-friendly techniques such as conservation tillage, biochar application, regenerative farming, and agroforestry to sequester carbon, improve soil health, and reduce emissions. 🚀 Opportunities for Agritech Carbon Removal Credits (CRC): With growing demand from F&B, ESG investors, and financial institutions, carbon credits are creating new income streams for farmers. Tech Integration: Advancements in satellite-based MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) are making soil carbon tracking more affordable and scalable. Policy Support: The EU’s Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Regulation (CRCF) is boosting transparency and investor confidence, setting a benchmark for global frameworks. Market Potential: By 2050, sustainable practices could help capture over 5 billion tons of CO₂ annually, creating massive opportunities for innovation and financing. ⚠️ Challenges to Address High upfront investment needs (estimated $260B annually by 2030 for global agri-food systems). Lack of standardized measurement protocols across geographies. Farmer adoption barriers due to cost, awareness, and uncertain returns. For the Agritech industry, this intersection of policy, market demand, and technology is shaping an era of innovation. Startups and established players alike can build solutions that empower farmers, ensure transparency, and scale climate-positive practices. 💡 The takeaway: Carbon farming is no longer a side initiative—it’s becoming a core driver of sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. 👉 What do you think? Can carbon farming be the bridge between climate goals and food security? #carbonfarming #sustainableagriculture #agritech #climateaction #carboncredits #netzero

Did you know that also with clean, healthy agriculture 🚜 we can feed the world and make money? In-depth research from EARA | European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture shows that regenerative farmers across Europe generate very promising results. Without yield loss they farm in a eco-friendly way: ⬇️ very few chemicals, 💩 only natural fertilizer (and then only a bit and locally sourced) 🚜 Almost no tilling ("ploegen" in NL), leaving the soil intact, reducing soil erosion and increasing biodiversity. ✅ As a results less tractoring the fields: lower compaction, lower fuel consumption (and less work) 🔹 🔹 And therefore higher gross margin per hectare! 🔹 🔹   Nice words, but show me the numbers (based on 78 farmers farming 2144 ha)   🔻2% yield reduction compared to neighbouring farmers, while:   🔻 61% less synthetic fertilizers 🔻75% less pesticides   And still achieving: 🔺 33% higher RFP (a overall factor for regeneration) 🔺 25% more photosynthesis 🔺 16% higher plant diversity   🔹 🔷 AND 20% HIGHER GROSS MARGIN PER HECTARE 🔷 🔹   Thanks Simon Kraemer for you wise words at the Regenerative Agriculture Series - Summit 2025. And nice meeting you 🤩 ; Anne van Leeuwen and Felix Riecken!   Refer to complete study in the comments

CEA: Unlocking Land for Nature, Food Security, and Climate Resilience! Throughout the 20th century, humanity expanded farmland at an unprecedented pace. Vast areas of natural forest and grassland were cleared to make space for crops and livestock. Today, nearly half of the world’s land is farmed. But there is a turning point: according to the UN’s FAO, global farmland use peaked in the early 2000s and has been slowly declining since. In their BBC article, sustainability and food researchers Joseph Poore, Hannah Ritchie, and Charles Godfray explore how abandoned farmland is rewilding, allowing grasslands, trees, and wildlife to return. This shift opens up a new question: how can we accelerate food production while freeing land back to nature? One powerful answer lies in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) — and particularly in mid- and high-tech greenhouses. By cultivating crops in controlled conditions it decouples food production from traditional farmland. The implications for land use, sustainability, and climate change are profound: 🔹 Reduced Land Footprint 🔹 Farming in Unsuitable Areas 🔹 Resource Efficiency 🔹 Climate Resilience 🔹 Decentralized Production This is more than just technology — it’s a shift in how we balance human needs with planetary boundaries. And here, the Netherlands plays a pivotal role. Dutch expertise in greenhouse design, climate control, and automation has set the global benchmark for CEA. With world-leading innovation in energy-efficient glasshouses, robotics, and data-driven cultivation, Dutch companies enable farmers worldwide to scale up production while using fewer resources. Much of the know-how that underpins this success traces back to Dutch innovation and decades of collaboration between growers, researchers, and technology providers. The rewilding milestone described by Poore, Ritchie, and Godfray is an inspiring signal that land can return to nature. Dutch greenhouse technology accelerates this by ensuring that higher yields come from smaller, smarter spaces. Today, market leader #TTAxISO already has a fully-fledged robot for almost all repetitive tasks in greenhouses. Examples include the recently launched grafting robot (4,000 tomato plants/hour are grafted) and a harvesting robot for tomatoes, which is currently being tested in practice.  The result: less deforestation, more biodiversity, and a food system resilient to climate change. The farmland of tomorrow may not be outside our cities, but inside high-tech Dutch glasshouses — delivering sustainability from the ground up. #harticulture #food #agri #sustainability #bbc #CEA

A recent report on technological advancements underscores the significant impact of smart farming in tackling pressing issues related to food security, environmental sustainability, and climate change. By leveraging innovative agricultural practices and advanced technologies, smart farming emerges as a critical solution to enhance productivity, minimize resource wastage, and adapt to shifting climatic conditions. The insights provided in the report emphasize the necessity of integrating modern techniques into agricultural systems to ensure a resilient food supply chain while promoting ecological balance. Ultimately, smart farming represents a transformative approach essential for fostering a sustainable future in the face of global challenges.

🚜🌍 Agreena launches AgreenaGro – a powerful new platform helping UK farmers make the shift to regenerative agriculture 🌱 📉 With rising input costs, extreme weather, and policy shifts, farmers face mounting pressure. AgreenaGro offers tools to: ✅ Cut emissions ✅ Improve soil health ✅ Earn 💰 from verified carbon outcomes ✅ Connect with supply chain partners ✅ Track progress with clear sustainability scores 👩🌾 Designed for farms of all sizes, it combines financial incentives with real-time insights, peer support, and smart farm integration. 💡 Coming soon: an AI-powered assistant for tailored agronomic advice! 🔗 Full story: https://lnkd.in/dkJBbG57

The comparison between zero-angle discs and traditional angled discs in plowing and harrowing, specifically in the context of climate change and sustainable farming. Let’s break it down carefully. 1. Disc Ploughs and Harrows: Basics Traditional Angled Discs: Discs are set at an angle (typically 15–25°). They cut, lift, and turn soil efficiently. Useful for breaking clods, burying residues, and improving soil aeration. Zero-Angle Discs: Discs are set perpendicular to the direction of travel (0° angle). They primarily slice and press the soil rather than turning it. This reduces soil inversion and disturbance. 2. Implications for Climate Change Carbon Sequestration & Soil Health Zero-angle discs reduce soil inversion, helping maintain soil organic carbon. Traditional discs expose soil carbon to oxidation, releasing CO₂. Water Efficiency Zero-angle systems leave crop residues on the surface → mulching effect, which conserves soil moisture and reduces irrigation needs, important under climate stress. Reduced Fuel Emissions Less resistance → tractors consume less fuel, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Erosion Control Zero-angle discs preserve surface cover, reducing wind and water erosion—a major factor in climate adaptation. . Trade-offs and Considerations Weed Management: Traditional discs are better at burying weeds; zero-angle may require integrated weed management. Seedbed Preparation: Traditional discs provide a finer seedbed; zero-angle may require additional passes. Adoption Barriers: Farmers may resist zero-angle discs if they perceive lower immediate crop yields. Traditional angled discs: More aggressive soil preparation, better for short-term yield, but higher soil degradation, carbon release, and energy use. Zero-angle discs: Conservation agriculture-friendly, reduce carbon emissions, improve water retention, and protect soil health—aligning with climate-smart agriculture principles. Takeaway: Transitioning to zero-angle discs can support climate change mitigation and adaptation in farming by enhancing soil carbon retention, reducing erosion, and lowering fuel emissions, but may require adjustment in weed and seedbed management practices.