Satellite observations contribute to the
production of timely agricultural yield and market
information, supporting the effort to limit extreme
food price volatility. Satellite measurements can be
used to produce baseline maps of crop areas, crop
types and growing season calendars. Satellite
observations can help detect soil moisture anomalies
and even contribute to crop condition assessment;
based on these observations, modelling techniques
can be employed to forecast yield production and
derive market information.
Satellite-based observations used in
concert with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can
also support sustainable agriculture via increased
production efficiency and crop yields. Precision
farming approaches using GPS have been adopted by
agricultural sectors in large parts of the world.
Associated yield efficiencies can spread as capacity
increases and the cost of technology decreases.
Improving market effectiveness through
transparency
In response to volatility in global food
prices, in 2011 the G20 Heads of State endorsed the
creation of the Agricultural Market Information
System (AMIS), to be supported by the Group on Earth
Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring
initiative (GEOGLAM). This included a commitment to
improve the effectiveness of the market for
agricultural commodities via increased information
and transparency.
GEOGLAM produces
monthly Crop Monitor assessments for 20 AMIS
countries that are used by: economists focused on
providing early warning of food price shocks and
volatility; agricultural ministries; members of
industry and research organisations. A Crop Monitor
for Early Warning has been developed to identify
areas of emerging food supply stress, to support
proactive policy decisions and actions and improve
the functioning and efficiency of agricultural
markets. These reports are generated routinely for a
further 40 countries deemed to be vulnerable to crop
failures.
Integrated Canadian Crop Yield Forecaster
(ICCYF)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
is an extensive user of Earth observation data for
operational monitoring, looking at agricultural land
use, land management practices, soil moisture, near
real-time crop condition and monthly crop yield
estimates. This information is used across the
Canadian government and by industry and researchers.
AAFC has worked with Statistics Canada (STC) to
develop the Integrated Canadian Crop Yield
Forecaster (ICCYF) that integrates climate
information, remote-sensing data and other available
information (e.g., historical yields, soil maps,
EO-derived crop maps) using a physically-based soil
moisture budget model and a statistically-based
yield forecasting model. In 2016, ICCYF made Canada
the first country to release model-based crop yield
estimates as official statistics, replacing
traditional September farm surveys. It has been
recognised across the Canadian community and
government as a showcase of the power of Earth
observation technology, collaboration and innovative
thinking.
