The platform, the first resource of its kind is focused specifically on Europe and Central Asia. (Image source: FAO)

As the digital agricultural landscape rapidly evolves in Europe and Central Asia, regional challenges have begun to arise, that need to be carefully monitored and addressed

In February this year, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) launched the AgriTech Observatory, offering a tool to monitor the digital agriculture landscape, while identifying innovative solutions to regional challenges and scaling up good practices. 

Equipped with interactive filters, a map, and analytics, the tool enables users to explore a multitude of digital agriculture initiatives, track regional developments and perform analyses. Moreover, it also contributes to existing open data and knowledge sharing initiatives, such as the FAO AgroInformatics Platform.

“The AgriTech Observatory lies at the heart of our dedication to driving digital innovation in agriculture,” said Daniela Di Gianantonio, FAO head of Digital Agriculture. “This dynamic platform addresses the lack of data in digital agriculture in Europe and Central Asia and serves as a crucial knowledge portal for researchers, practitioners and innovators, enabling us to collaboratively transform agrifood systems in the region.”

Throughout this year, the Observatory is set for continuous evolution and enhancement to foster innovation and digital transformation across the agricultural sector.

John Deere debuted five new P-Tier Skid Steer Loaders and Compact Track Loaders. (Image source: John Deere)

John Deere recently debuted five new P-Tier Skid Steer Loader (SSL) and Compact Track Loader (CTL) models boasting a brand-new one-piece cab design with premium options, enhanced technology features and an overall increase in operating power

These new models include the 330 and 334 P-Tier SSLs and the 331, 333 and 335 P-Tier CTLs, which come with the debut of three brand new attachments. These comprise the MK76 and MH72D mulching heads and the CP40G cold planer. In order to enhance productivity on the job, the 333 and 335 P-Tier machines can be equipped with John Deere SmartGrade technology. 

Taking the feedback of their customers into consideration, John Deere has proceeded with prioritising operator comfort and productivity. Customers can now experience better insight and customisation of machine settings and viewing information, by utilising the eight-inch premium touch-screen display interface, available on the full line-up of P-Tier models and standard on the 334 and 335 P-Tier.

The pairing of Bluetooth devices is enabled on the touchscreen display and enables the answering of calls and control of streaming audio, making for seamless operation. With a focus on serviceability, the new cab tilts up in one piece, giving ground-level, all around access to the engine, drivetrain, and undercarriage of the machine. In regard to SmartGrade and Grade Control features, a new hydraulic system has been designed to help operators maximise efforts on the job. 

Moreover, two brand new technology capabilities have also made their debut with the rollout of these models, including Attachment Manager and Surround View. The John Deere Operations Centre will continue to be included on all large-frame CTL and SSL, enabling fleet managers to monitor machine location, codes, fuel usage and other key features more efficiently.

In addition, the company has also debuted strategic Quick-Tatch system updates and three new attachment offerings. A full overhaul of the John Deere Quik-Tatch coupler means customers can experience less downtime and continue to easily switch back and forth between attachments. Also, both install implementation and design improvements have been made to increase customer and confidence, making for a more efficient jobsite.

For more information, visit: www.JohnDeere.com

Women on the production line at the Greater Noida Plant in India. (Image source: CNH)

As part of its ‘A Sustainable Year’ series, CNH has included its second story titled, ‘Training women for the workforce,’ which signifies the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

The article investigates how increasing the number of women in the workforce can lead to improved productivity, with a highlight on CNH India’s first female apprentices on the shop floor at its Greater Noida agricultural manufacturing plant.

It also explores themes around bringing more women into production roles and overcoming cultural barriers to create generational change. 

“The future for CNH is the inclusion of women at all levels and right now everybody is working toward that,” said Bharti Bist, diversity & inclusion head for Asia Pacific at CNH.

A drone flies over a farm in Tanzania. (Image source: FAO/Eduardo Soteras)

On 17 May, at the Business Federations of the G7 (B7) meeting which took place in Rome, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), QU Dongy highlighted that AI is not just a technological shift, but is driving a fundamental economic and social transformation at the broadest level

He noted that ”Digital agriculture can revolutionise how we produce, distribute and consume food,” highlighting that potential benefits for farmers and stakeholders across agrifood systems include improved pricing data, minimising food loss and waste, enhancing food safety and stimulating adoption of better seeds, fertiliser and sustainable practices.

The B7 comprises the main business and industrial federations of the G7 members and the European Union. Once a year, the B7 presents its recommendations on selected priority topics to the G7 presidency, which this year is held by Italy.

The Director-General emphasised the central role that data plays in AI and digital technologies, noting that quality data is needed to train innovative tools and to accelerate actions such as agrifood systems transformation.

FAO has a formidable database in FAOSTAT, data is central to FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and has an innovation lab to experiment with new sources and methods. One takeaway from those initiatives is that data ecosystems require significant investment and effective collaboration. FAO stands ready to engage and partner with the B7 group and the private sector in this area, Qu said.