Thousands of new satellites orbiting Earth offer groundbreaking tools to strengthen agrifood systems. A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) highlights how space technology transforms farming. It also covers forestry and land management. It provides policymakers and experts with insights into how satellite data improves agricultural efficiency and climate resilience.
Satellite imagery and global navigation data play a crucial role in modern agriculture. These technologies allow farmers to monitor crop health, optimize water use, control pests, and plan for extreme weather. Lifeng LI, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, and Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA, emphasize the necessity of satellite-based applications. These applications are now essential for sustainable agriculture.
DECADES OF GEOSPATIAL PROGRESS
Since 1957, over 17,000 satellites have launched, with nearly 3,000 added annually. Their growing precision, combined with cloud-based applications, has made real-time Earth data widely accessible—even via smartphones. However, a gap remains in integrating space data into agriculture, requiring international cooperation and technical interoperability.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXPANDING SPACE-AGRICULTURE INTEGRATION
The FAO-UNOOSA report suggests strengthening global capacities to utilize satellite data for agriculture. It calls for better international coordination on agriculture-focused satellite missions and improved data accessibility. The report also proposes a centralized UN procurement hub for satellite imagery to minimize duplication and maximize efficiency.
ADDRESSING SPACE DEBRIS CHALLENGES
While space-based solutions offer immense benefits, expanding satellite activities also poses risks. The report stresses the need to mitigate space debris threats, which can impact satellite operations and future missions.
FAO’S ROLE IN GEOSPATIAL AGRICULTURE
FAO has been at the forefront of integrating space technology into agriculture. Its award-winning Hand-in-Hand Geospatial Platform combines over two million layers of open-access agricultural data. The SEPAL tool enables real-time forest cover monitoring using Google Earth Engine. Additionally, WaPOR helps farmers track water consumption in crop fields with high precision.
EMPOWERING FARMERS WITH ADVANCED TOOLS
FAO ensures that satellite technology reaches farmers directly. Tools like SEPAL and WaPOR support emergency response efforts, pest control, soil fertility management, and water stress assessments. These technologies enhance precision farming, enabling efficient pesticide and fertilizer use while improving sustainability.
COLLABORATION IS KEY
Partnerships play a critical role in leveraging space technology for food security. The FAO report highlights a successful rapid crop-mapping initiative in Togo during COVID-19. This collaboration between the government, NASA Harvest, Planet Labs, and the University of Maryland helped authorities respond swiftly to food supply challenges.
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE SPACE-AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEM
The report divides the space-agriculture value chain into three sections—upstream, midstream, and downstream. It stresses the importance of providing developing nations with access to spatial infrastructure and standardized remote-sensing data.
UNOOSA is working to help UN Member States establish regulatory frameworks for space activities. Meanwhile, FAO collaborates with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to develop a standardized meta-language for land cover and land use.
MAXIMIZING THE POTENTIAL OF SPACE TECH IN AGRICULTURE
For geospatial tools to reach their full potential, effective data harmonization, interoperability, and integration are crucial. Cloud-based platforms like SEPAL enable seamless data sharing, while field-verified observations from farmers improve policymaking.
Space technology is reshaping global agriculture. Satellites provide vital data to enhance food security, optimize resources, and mitigate climate risks. As partnerships strengthen and innovations advance, integrating space-based solutions into farming will drive sustainable food production for future generations.
