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However, in most cases, these technologies like forecast systems, farm management systems or sprayers, do not necessarily exchange information with each other. This leads to unused technological potential or even double investments.
The non-profit consortium AgGateway addresses these challenges by bringing together different players from the agricultural industry globally. Their goal is to connect and implement existing industry standards, guidelines and communication protocols. Furthermore, they are working on new principles to close the existing gaps between technologies. In the end, this will enable farmers to connect their existing and upcoming technologies more conveniently and safely for an improved crop management.
Today, BASF is hosting an AgGateway Europe project meeting at its Agricultural Center in Limburgerhof, Germany, to work further on two standardization projects for Europe:
The first one is the SPADE (Standardized Precision Ag Data Exchange) project. It aims to standardize data exchange. With that, the data collected, for example from a tractor and a farm management system, can be connected and used for additional value on the farm. This will help farmers to improve their crop management and the efficiency of inputs for lower costs and better yields. Data on a range of crop inputs, such as seed fertilizer, crop protection, water, energy, labor and machinery are included.
With the second project, called Identity, AgGateway addresses one of European agriculture’s most pressing needs: It will collect existing and elaborate new, unique identifiers and reference data. With that, when farmers sell their harvest, buyers will not only be able to know which crop protection was used, but also details, such as the exact batch, safeguarding higher quality and safety. Unique identifiers and reference data can be more efficiently used if they are standardized throughout the whole agricultural value chain, allowing for a flow of information with a minimized set of data points. In the project, a globally available and publicly accessible database will be created.
“It takes courage for competing companies and solution providers to work together on improving data exchange between the different brands and types of applications. If we succeed, then specialized applications will make better use of available data in the production and supply chain to benefit the farmer and his production chain partners. AgGateway supports this process. An open information architecture will stimulate innovation and will make it easier to ‘plug in’ new advanced applications”, stated Conny Graumans, General Manager of AgGateway Europe.
“Our approach to innovation in BASF is underpinned by connecting with partners. It is important for us to work with different industries on standardization and improved data exchange of technologies and systems. This will ensure that the solutions we offer to farmers bring a real value to them to get more out of every investment, acre and season in a more sustainable way,” summarized Matthias Nachtmann, Manager Global Strategic Marketing, BASF Crop Protection.
The first results of the two projects will be presented at the next trade fair “Agritechnica” in Hannover, Germany.
About AgGateway
AgGateway Europe is a non-profit consortium of businesses serving the agricultural industry, with the mission to promote, enable and expand eBusiness in agriculture. AgGateway stimulates data exchange between different brands of applications in agriculture. The members of AgGateway are solution providers and agribusiness companies. The long term objective is to utilize existing data in the agricultural production chain to the max, to improve efficiency, to promote sustainable agriculture and to secure food safety. AgGateway is the trusted source for enabling eAgriculture and establishes collaborative relationships. AgGateway Europe is part of AgGateway Global Network, as is AgGateway North America. AgGateway Global Network enables knowledge exchange between the regional divisions of AgGateway. AgGateway North America started 10 years ago and has over 280 members; AgGateway Europe started in 2015 and is now developing its first projects and initiatives.
About BASF’s Crop Protection division
With sales of more than €5.8 billion in 2015, BASF’s Crop Protection division (agro.basf.com) provides innovative solutions for agriculture, turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. Our broad portfolio of active ingredients, seed treatments, biological controls, formulations and services optimizes efficient production of high quality food and protects against post-harvest loss, damage to buildings and the transmission of disease. By delivering new technologies and know-how, BASF Crop Protection supports the effort of growers and pest management professionals to make a better life for themselves and society.
About BASF
At BASF (basf.com), we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).
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friederike.wurth[.]basf.com 
