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www.SugarProducer.com 13 such as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to increase crop yields. This approach, referred to as precision farming, uses technology to help farmers more accurately predict natural conditions and react to them in the quickest way possible. It also helps farmers choose the best crops that will offer higher yields in their growing area and measure performance via data analytics. While the concept dates back to the 1980s, it wasn't as reliable as it is today. That's thanks to recent advancements in mobile technology, high-speed internet, drones, GPS mapping tools and satellites, specifically the launch of the Sentinel-2 satellite in 2015. Operating under the European Union's Earth Observation program, Copernicus, the Sentinel-2 satellite monitors Earth's surface and every five days provides high-resolution, multispectral images with an incredible spatial resolution of 10 meters. A breakthrough in satellite technology, it delivers near-real-time data on a global level, and the images are free for public use. Both research institutions and businesses of all kinds receive a rich source of information. But in order to leverage and gain valuable insights from this data, intelligent and cognitive computing technologies like machine learning and AI are necessary to analyze this information. Machine learning enables farmers to analyze decades of weather and crop records, for example, and look for patterns in the data to predict crop yields. Additionally, with the ability to monitor water and air conditions, farmers are better equipped to predict problems in specific regions. By understanding the scale of global catastrophes like wildfires, earthquakes or hurricanes, resources can be managed accordingly. At the core of data analysis, farmers rely on field and crop mapping on a global scale. OneSoil, the first to approach this complicated task, created the interactive OneSoil Map to provide information on fields and crops in Europe and in the U.S., which can be used to explore national and regional trends, as well as check the development of a specific field. The interactive map runs on machine learning algorithms and satellite imagery, helping monitor fields remotely via changes in various vegetation indices. Combining space and ground truth data, a farmer can calculate and apply the right dosage of fertilizers and chemicals for each part of the field, referred to as the variable rate application, thereby reducing groundwater pollution. It's important to note that, with a wide range of tools and technology now available, farm operators must carefully consider each precision technology based on ease of use, functionality and return on investment. GPS guidance systems, for example, offer high functionality, ease of use and a high potential for ROI. According to the results of a study conducted by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service and a team of researchers, tractor guidance in particular improves farming efficiency. Researchers suggest that these systems have the potential to improve environmental sustainability by reducing the over-application of herbicides and fertilizers as well as seeds—improving efficiency gains by 20 percent. "In the U.S., larger farms are increasing their use of precision agriculture and overcoming technology barriers to implement practices," says Philip Owens, one of the lead researchers on the study. "But very few small farms in the U.S., which make up more than 85 percent of U.S. farm totals, have adopted precision agriculture." As more industries realize the benefits of connected technologies, the adoption of precision farming is predicted to increase. MarketsAndResearch reports that the market, valued at $993.24 million in 2019, is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 16.7 percent over the next five years. Awareness is key in increasing adoption, however. Particularly with the growing demand for food in a world where populations are rising, research suggests that precision agriculture tools will be essential for farmers in maximizing yield and minimizing losses. Greg Killian is vice president and business unit head for life sciences at EPAM Systems, Inc. In this role, he is responsible for P&L and business management in the sector as well as market strategy and execution. n