Flood of Cheap Food and Loss of Competitiveness

Farmers are justifiably concerned about a flood of cheaper food products, including meat, grain, and dairy. Agricultural production in Mercosur countries, particularly regarding environmental and quality standards, is not as rigorous, enabling cost reductions. In contrast, European farmers must adhere to high environmental protection standards, making their production more expensive. Combined with the lack of effective protective mechanisms against imports, this could lead to reduced income for European farmers.

Farmers’ Protests: Agreement Revision Needed

In response to the threats, farmers across Europe, including Poland, have begun organizing protests. Their goal is to pressure governments into renegotiating the terms of the agreement to ensure fair competition in the market. Without additional protective regulations, European farmers may be forced to scale back production, negatively impacting not only their incomes but also the food security of the entire EU.

Summary: Protecting Agriculture in the EU Is Key

In conclusion, the agreement with Mercosur could pose a serious threat to agriculture in Europe. The lack of effective mechanisms to protect farmers from cheaper products from South America puts the future of many farms in doubt. EU producers will be unable to compete with lower prices resulting from the lack of strict standards in Mercosur countries. Therefore, if appropriate regulations are not introduced, many European farms may disappear from the market. The agreement, negotiated on December 6, 2024, by Ursula von der Leyen (during her visit to Uruguay), seems to contradict the change in approach previously presented by the European Commission. It is certain that European agriculture (especially Polish and French) faces a trial period. We will keep you updated on further developments in this matter.

We encourage you to follow our news regularly and explore our offer in the field of precision agriculture.

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The deputy minister of agriculture – Adam Nowak pointed out that the worst damage affected crops of corn, soybeans, potatoes and sugar beet. The crops that were crucial for this region were destroyed and compensation is planned for around 25 thousand hectares that were flooded. The most important part of the losses is corn, which is primarly grown for grain. Futhermore, the loses in sugar beet crops are also significant – especially in the Opole region, where the flood seriously distrupted agricultural activities. The Nysa Sugar cooperative, which has a plant in Nysa, reported an inability to resume production after the plant was flooded.

Satelite analysis of flood-affected areas

The map above shows the flooded areas in the valleys of the Oder and Nysa Kłodzka rivers. Based on satellite data from the Harvium analysis, areas with the greatest losses were highlighted, particulary within the flood embankments.

Based on multispectral satellite images, Harvium generates crop condition indices, which are crucial for assessing agricultural losses. With this tools, it is possible to precisely monitor flooded areas and assess the impact of the flood on vegetation.

The animation above shows flooded areas between Brzeg and Wroclaw, illustrating the detailed extent of the flood. The data comes from the Harvium mapping aplication, which provides near real-time information on crop conditions and areas effected by natural disasters.

Flood impact and future challenges

The initially proposed compensations of 5 thousand PLN per hectare of flooded crops may not cover the full extent of the losses. Addidtional support will include free soil testing in flood-affected areas. Also long-term actions will be crucial to secure the region against future natural disasters.

Harvium offer

Thanks to Harvium satellite analyses, it is possible to monitor the recovery process and accuretly assess the impact on the flood on agriculture. The tools avaiable on Harvium dedicated precision farming platform offer an overview of the latest multispectral satellite images and the crop condition indices and flooded area assessments generated from them. On request, we prepare detailed reports for selected areas, which can be a valuable resource for local farmers and authorities in assessing lossess and recovery planing.

If you are interested in topics related to precision farming, check out our others articles. Would you like to collaborate with us? Fell free to contact us.

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Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for this sharp increase is adverse weather conditions. They have affected the harvests in Russia and Ukraine. In April, wheat futures prices on the exchange rose by 12%, marking the largest monthly jump since February 2022. In the latter part of the article, we will present a detailed analysis of the causes of this increase and forecasts for the future.

The reasons

1. Russia and Ukraine – losses caused by weather conditions and projected losses

April brought hope for good wheat harvests for Ukrainian farmers. However, May turned out to be one of the driest months in the region’s history, dashing these expectations. In Ukraine, which along with Russia accounts for nearly one-third of the world’s wheat exports, drought and unexpected frosts destroyed a significant portion of the crops.

As a result, forecasts indicate that Ukrainian wheat harvests will amount to 19.1 million tons, the lowest level in over a decade. In Russia, early frosts in May destroyed hundreds of thousands of hectares of crops, and analysts have lowered production forecasts by more than 10%.

Analysis by the Harvium team – satellite projection

Our team analyzed satellite data covering the wheat-growing area in southern Russia :-). Data from a representative winter wheat field in the Rostov region, which was most affected by frosts in early May 2024, show a significant decline in crop condition. Losses exceed 50% in the studied area.

Additionally, this situation did not improve at the beginning of June. This is shown in the maps and NDVI index graph below, which serves as a proxy for chlorophyll content and crop condition. In some fields, irreversible die-off of wheat shoots is visible. This may prompt local farmers to reseed with other crops on the most damaged fields to minimize losses this season. So far, such operations have not been observed.

Undoubtedly, an interesting temporal correlation can be observed between the occurrence of severe frosts in the wheat-growing region of southern Russia and the rise in prices in the following weeks. This is shown in the graph below.

2. Situation in other parts of the World

The increase in wheat prices has also been influenced by the situation in other parts of the world. Australia is struggling with drought, and India is likely to become a net importer of wheat.

Forecast by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

As a result, the US Department of Agriculture forecasts in its report that global wheat stocks will reach their lowest level in nine years, which may lead to further price increases in global markets.

3. Weather conditions

Weather forecasts predict improved conditions for western and central Ukraine and western Russia, which may limit further losses. However, in southern Russia, the lack of rainfall could exacerbate losses and lead to even lower wheat yields.

Conclusion

In summary, the sudden weather changes in Russia and Ukraine, as well as the challenging situation in other wheat-producing regions, have led to an increase in wheat prices on global markets. This situation has driven up wheat prices on global markets. Forecasts indicate possible stabilization in some regions, but overall prospects for global harvests remain uncertain. To obtain information about prices of various products and commodities, check the quotations and contact Harvium.

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Introduction

With the challenges in agriculture growing, satellite technology is becoming a key component of modern precision agriculture. Satellite data, until now mainly associated with research and military applications, is becoming the basis for more accurate management of natural resources. Precision agriculture is opening up new opportunities for farmers and agricultural market traders.

Introduction to Precision Farming

Precision agriculture integrates modern technologies such as GPS, sensors, data analytics and remote sensing to revolutionize the management of agricultural resources. The use of these tools enables more precise decision-making that leads to optimized agricultural processes, reduced waste and increased yields. This allows farmers to better monitor and manage their fields, resulting in higher efficiency and profitability.

Key Monitoring Technologies in Precision Agriculture

1. Ground Sensors:
   • Description: Mounted on agricultural machinery or as stationary points in fields, ground sensors provide precise data on soil conditions and plant growth. These sensors can measure soil moisture, temperature, pH levels, and nutrient levels.
   • Operability: They require a physical presence at the crop site, which is labor-intensive. In addition, installation and maintenance of these devices can be costly.
2. Drones:
   • Description: They allow rapid coverage of a medium-sized area. Offering detailed images and data that can be used to analyze plant and soil health. Drones can be equipped with multispectral and thermal cameras to monitor plant health, detect water stress, and identify diseases and pests.
   • Operability: They require the presence of an operator and are expensive to operate, especially with high flight frequencies and when monitoring large and remote acreages. The high cost of purchasing and maintaining drones can be a barrier for many farmers.
3. Satellite Data:
   • Description: They offer the highest cost effectiveness. Satellite missions such as Sentinel (European Space Agency) and Landsat (NASA) provide free multispectral data that, when processed, provide precise information on crop condition. Satellites can monitor huge areas in a short period of time, which is crucial for large farms.
   • Operability: Satellites can monitor huge areas in a short period of time. The data is regularly updated (e.g., every 5 days) and can be accessed remotely. Resolution of satellite data, although slightly lower than drone data, is usually sufficient to identify areas of lower productivity and crop stress. The data is automatically collected and archived for easy access and analysis through dedicated platforms.

Satellite data efficiency in practice

Satellite data, with its breadth and accessibility, allows to identify problems on a scale that no other method would. This information is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention in cases of crop stress, drought, or improper fertilization. The regularity and wide coverage of satellite data allow continuous assessment of crop health and rapid response to changing conditions. With this data, farmers can also more accurately plan field operations such as irrigation, fertilization and crop protection, resulting in higher efficiency and lower production costs.

Examples of satellite data application

1. Plant health monitoring: Satellites can detect changes in plant health at an early stage, allowing rapid response and minimizing losses. For example, a decrease in chlorophyll levels in plants can indicate nutrient deficiencies, which can be corrected with proper fertilization. It is also easy to identify areas of agricultural takeoff caused by weather or pests.
2. Optimization of fertilization: Analysis of satellite data helps to accurately identify areas of lower productivity, e.g. slower crop growth, which reduces costs and minimizes environmental impact. Instead of fertilizing the entire field uniformly, farmers can apply fertilizer exactly where it is needed, leading to more efficient use of resources.
3. Water management: satellite data can monitor soil moisture and help optimize irrigation, which is especially important in regions with limited water resources. Precise water management can not only increase yields, but also reduce irrigation costs and conserve water resources.

Impact on operational and strategic decisions

Farmers and market traders alike use this data to better plan production and manage risk. For farmers, precise information on crop condition allows to optimize resources and cultivation techniques. As or traders, this information is the foundation for more accurate market forecasts and strategic investment portfolio management. Satellite data enables more predictable and stable production and investment strategies.

Cost-effective advantage of satellite data over other sensors

Satellite data offers a significant cost-efficiency advantage over other sensors, such as ground-based sensors and drones. Ground-based sensors, while precise, are time-consuming and require physical presence, which increases operational costs. Drones, on the other hand, are more flexible and can quickly cover medium-sized areas, but require operators and frequent overflights, which also generates high costs.

Satellite data, available free of charge from missions such as Sentinel and Landsat, offer regular and wide-area monitoring without the need for a permanent operator presence. The resolution of satellite data, although slightly lower than drone data, is usually sufficient to identify areas of lower productivity and crop stress. The latest dedicated agricultural satellite missions, moreover, offer resolutions whose usefulness at the operational level matches that of drones. In addition, the data is automatically collected and archived for easy access and analysis through dedicated platforms.

Summary

The use of satellite reports is a strategic step that increases agricultural productivity and profitability. This data opens up new opportunities for agriculture, enabling efficient resource management on an unprecedented scale. We encourage agricultural entrepreneurs and traders to explore the opportunities offered by precision agriculture to maximize their profits while minimizing their environmental impact. In this regard, our team of experts is at your service 24/7. Contact Harvium and check out our dedicated satellite data platform yourself. You’ll also find the latest news from agricultural markets on our site.

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Technological advancements are currently unfolding at an unprecedented pace. It’s reasonable to hypothesize that these new technologies will shape humanity’s trajectory by the end of this century. One particularly promising innovation is the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing method, which earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020. This groundbreaking technique was developed by French microbiologist and geneticist Emmanuelle Marie Charpentier and American biochemist and molecular biologist Jennifer Anne Doudna.

CRISPR/Cas9 as a genetic engineering technique has allowed researchers from around the world to manipulate the genes of animals, humans, but also plants.

Modern agriculture operates in response to a range of challenges posed by natural conditions. These challenges drive legislative changes, often impacting production capacity and business costs. With a growing global population and increasing nutritional demands, the food sector must adopt new mechanisms. These approaches should consider the economic well-being of food producers, environmental sustainability, and the diverse interests of stakeholders.

Application of CRISPR/Cas9 in crop production

Conventional genetic modification methods rely on introducing foreign genetic material, often involving foreign DNA. In contrast, the CRISPR/Cas9 method leverages natural genetic diversity. Researchers use this approach to introduce genetic material that naturally functions within a specific biological system, such as crops.

Research has sparked innovative solutions

The CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a groundbreaking method that enables precise genome editing by removing, adding, or altering specific DNA sequences. In this case, Japanese startup Sanatech Seed collaborated with researchers at the University of Tsukuba to develop a new variety of tomatoes native to Sicily. The unconventionality of their solution lies in using gene modifications to precisely “cut” or replace selected genes, resulting in a successful practical application of the CRISPR/Cas9 mechanism. This innovation opens up exciting possibilities for crop improvement and agricultural advancements.

Health-promoting properties of the CRISPR method. Food that heals?

Firstly, the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid in cultured tomato seedlings is almost 500% of the naturally observed level. This provides the opportunity to exploit and simultaneously intensify the properties of anabolic and regenerative action. Furthermore, considering the above, several health benefits for consumers become apparent. For instance, consumption of tomatoes created using the CRISPR/Cas9 method can help reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels, which play a role in stress susceptibility. Moreover, it significantly impacts the process of building muscle mass, increases the secretion of growth hormone, and effectively conditions the mechanisms associated with the body’s regenerative processes.

CRISPR technology will solve global problems?

Undoubtedly, the wide spectrum of positive properties in food created using the CRISPR/Cas9 method provides substantial evidence for the future of genetic engineering. Emphasizing the expediency and legitimacy of research related to CRISPR/Cas9’s potential is crucial. Parallel studies have yielded promising results, as seen in the development of a new variety of corn, highlighting the salutary impact of CRISPR/Cas9 in the fight against climate change.

CRISPR will save corn yields from drought?

In the case of corn, researchers are working on a variety that is immune to water deficits, which, given the shifting climate zones and thus the desertification of previously green areas, is very important. The isolation and dissemination of a new drought-tolerant corn variety would be a process to reduce the level of hunger in the world. In view of the above, it can be concluded in each case that the use of CRISPR technology positively affects the functioning of society on a global scale. To put it more bluntly, humanity cannot afford to miss such mechanisms.

Necessary changes in the law…

Its further development is necessary, as well as the constitution of a legislative space to regulate the presence of genetically modified foods by the innovative CRISPR-Cas9 method. The EU institutions owe it to revise the existing policy and adapt regulations at the EU level as soon as possible commensurate with the results of scientific research. According to Antonio Villaroel – president of the Spanish National Association of Plant Breeders (ANOVE), it is necessary to implement mechanisms on a large scale to adapt current crop varieties to new conditions, because the varieties currently used in crop production will not be too useful in 10 years. Thus, the prospect is inevitable and very imminent, it is necessary to act here and now!

Other application areas of CRISPR/Cas9

An important area of application of CRISPR/Cas9 is research in the field of medicine. The innovative CRISPR/Cas9 method is used in personalized medicine, i.e. in gene therapy. Thanks to its properties, it allows the introduction of foreign DNA into the genome, resulting in the alteration of a gene mutation giving the chance to obtain the correct version of the gene.

The system has found application in the treatment of single-gene diseases min. beta-thalassemia, cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In addition, in studies related to the treatment of myeloid leukemia, the researchers succeeded in breeding a mouse that is the desired disease model. Such an achievement was the ground for further research related to large-scale analysis of the effects of drugs used in the fight against the aforementioned cancer in real time in an in vivo model.

Gene drive will annihilate the diseases of civilization?

Moreover, solutions built on CRISPR/Cas9 have been applied to the gene drive genetic engineering mechanism. The primary objective of this research is to enable the edited gene to spread through the population, potentially eradicating diseases. This system is planned for use in an attempt to combat diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, among others.

The versatility arising from the possibility of implementing the CRISPR/Cas9 method across various domains simultaneously underscores its tremendous potential, which humanity should not overlook!

Looking for prices in agriculture – check it out! Newest info about changes in pricing here.

M. Jinek, A Programmable Dual-DNA-Guided DNA Endonuclease in Adaptive Bacterial Immunity, „Science”, t. 337 nr 6096 (2012).

M. Qaim, Genetically modified crops and agricultural development (2016).

„Illumina” – Gene Editing Research Review; https://www.illumina.com/content/dam/illumina-marketing/documents/products/research_reviews/publication-review-gene-editing-research.pdf

A. Mayer, S. Dastgheib-Vinarov, The Future of Food? CRISPR-Edited Agriculture, The Future of Food? CRISPR-Edited Agriculture

NOWOSAD K., STĘPIEŃ P., MUSIAŁ P., 2016. CRISPR-Cas9 nowe narzędzie inżynierii genetycznej. Wydawnictwo naukowe TYGIEL sp. z o.o, 1 (6), 76-87.

Li, J., Scarano, A., Gonzalez, N.M. et al. Biofortified tomatoes provide a new route to vitamin D sufficiency. Nat. Plants 8, 611–616 (2022). Biofortified tomatoes provide a new route to vitamin D sufficiency

Los mejoradores de variedades vegetales ven irrenunciable la edición genómica para asegurar la alimentación; https://efeagro.com/mejoradores-vegetales-obtentor

First Genome Edited Tomato with Increased GABA In the World https://sanatech-seed.com/en/20201211-1-2/

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry: „The Nobel Prize”, Nobel Prize / Chemistry / 2020

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