HARVIC Essential delivers an innovative satellite crop monitoring service that is transforming the production of one of the world’s key food crops, potatoes, by providing objective and practical real-time data on growing conditions and stress factors. Offered by GEO4A, in partnership with Hermess B.V. and GeoVille GmbH and with the support of ESA’s Business Application and Space Solutions (BASS) programme, the insightful HARVIC services have already been adopted by key industry players in the Netherlands. It is now being rolled out to the EU’s other top potato production Member States Germany, Belgium and France.
The potato industry is a cornerstone of global agriculture and food security, ranking as the fourth most important food crop worldwide. Europe stands out as a regional leader in global potato production, with the market value of potatoes produced in the EU standing at 3.6 billion euros.
The industry is facing significant challenges, ranging from limited arable land and declining soil quality to increasing environmental regulations, more extreme climate events, and economic uncertainties. Responding to these challenges calls for a shift from a traditional farming approach, which relies on human experience and subjective decision-making, toward data-driven agriculture, where timely, accurate and actionable insights drive competitive and sustainable crop development, quality and yield.
HARVIC Essential directly addresses the needs of seed potato companies and processors, from improving supply chain management to optimising field operations. It offers a seamless combination of optical and radar satellite imagery, advanced and localised weather data, and ground sensors. Together with customer data and advanced analytical tools, the service provides practical and relevant insights that bring direct savings and commercial benefits.
"With HARVIC Essential, we’re empowering the potato industry to embrace precision and resilience in the face of change. With real-time, reliable data in the hands of those who need it most, we’re changing the game—from how potatoes are grown and managed, to how their value is maximised throughout Europe," Christian Hoffmann, Founder and Managing Director of GEO4A.
“HARVIC Essential is a great example of how advanced satellite technology can be combined with other data and analytics to respond to challenges we have here on Earth,” said Francesco Feliciani, Head of the Company-led Projects Section at ESA.
The service has already achieved market validation from some of the largest and most influential names in the potato industry, such as Agrico and Farm Frites. These businesses played an integral role in shaping the service during the pilot phase and have now transitioned to become commercial clients, helping to form a solid foundation for further expansion.
Companies involved in the pilot have reported high satisfaction with the service. Benefits include:
- Optimising field selection for early export, thereby reducing costs and improving quality
- Accurate yield forecasting
- Better stock management and contract negotiations
- Streamlining resource planning
Looking further ahead, HARVIC Essential is expanding for wider adoption across Europe. GEO4A and its partners are actively exploring strategic partnerships and integrations to enhance further value for seed companies, processors, and food retailers in major potato cultivation areas.
In parallel, GEO4A will intensify its role as an Earth Observation data provider for the potato industry. Using more advanced climate modelling and localised risk indicators will lead to a downstream service that aims to support sustainable farming practices that are resilient to extreme weather events, droughts, and shifting growing seasons.
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