Success in the Field: Space for Water and Food Security

The integration of space data into various sectors has shown immense potential for driving innovation and efficiency. One of the key areas benefiting from this technology is agriculture, where remote sensing and satellite data are used to address challenges related to food and water security. The Open Atlas Industry Days event in Bucharest, Romania, served as a platform for showcasing how these technologies can be applied effectively. Among the participants, Ogor.ro, a Romanian agritech startup, demonstrated the practical applications of space data in enhancing agricultural productivity.

Open Atlas Industry Days: Overview

This collaborative event brought together industry leaders, remote sensing researchers, and stakeholders to address pressing challenges in food and water security and resource management. The objective was to facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge from the space industry to other sectors, integrating innovative management methodologies. Open Atlas Industry Days is part of the Open Atlas, a project of the Framework Partnership Agreement on Copernicus User Uptake.

Joris Kruse, the project coordinator of Open Atlas, commented on the goals of the event: “To gain insights from the needs of the industry in Romania, particularly in the water and food nexus, and to explore new solutions that the host institution, University Politehnica of Bucharest, and other organisations and companies present at the event can develop in the near future.” Scientific coordinator of the Open Atlas project, Andrei Bocin-Dumitriu, emphasised the choice of Romania as the event’s location, citing the country’s significant role in European agriculture and its recent challenges related to climate change, such as desertification and water scarcity.

The event brought together stakeholders from various organisations, including the Economic Board of the Netherlands Embassy in Romania, Open Atlas, Romanian Space Agency (ROSA), Terrasigna, Agricover, Clubul Fermierilor Romani, Ogor.ro, ESRI Romania, University of Bucharest, and University Politehnica of Bucharest, side by side with various startups, educational institutions, and research organisations.

Read more about Open Atlas Industry Days 

Participation of Ogor.ro

Ogor.ro was among the participants at the Open Atlas Industry Days, providing insights into their innovative solutions and contributions to the agricultural sector.

About Ogor.ro

Ogor.ro, founded in 2019, provides large crop farmers with online tools for agronomic analysis based on satellite data. Their services utilise Copernicus Earth observation data, meteorological data, and ground truth field data from farmers. The company’s team includes IT professionals, aero data and AI researchers, agronomists, business developers, and farmers, all working together to create effective solutions for the agricultural sector.

Solutions of Ogor.ro

One of Ogor.ro’s key tool is OGOR Yield, a machine learning algorithm that can detect the five most common crops grown in Romania—winter wheat, barley, rapeseed, maise, and sunflower. “OGOR Yield can identify fields with these crops and forecast their yields up to two months before harvest, with updates every two weeks,” Dafina Jeaca, Co-Founder at ogor.ro explained. This tool’s capabilities extend beyond just farmers, benefiting grain producers, banks, and insurance companies as well.

By integrating satellite data into their algorithms, Ogor.ro provides farmers and agronomists with a comprehensive view of their crops. “Our satellite data offers a bird’s-eye view of the fields, translating detailed images into numerical values that help interpret crop health and status,” the Dafina added.

Community Engagement

Ogor.ro places significant emphasis on community engagement. “We share success stories on our social media channels and WhatsApp communities, and we hold workshops and classes during off-peak times to engage with farmers directly,” the Dafina said. This approach not only disseminates valuable information but also fosters a sense of community among farmers.

Engagement with Academia

Collaboration with academia is also a component of Ogor.ro’s strategy. “One of our founders is a researcher and lecturer in Earth observation data at a Romanian polytechnical university. We regularly involve students in our research, keeping us aligned with the latest advancements,” the Dafina noted. This partnership helps Ogor.ro stay at the forefront of agritech innovation.

Engagement with Farmers

Farmers are integral to the development of Ogor.ro’s services and algorithms. “When we started in 2019, we spent two months traveling across Romania to interview farmers and understand their needs,” the Dafina shared. This hands-on approach ensures that their tools are practical and effective in real-world conditions.

Engagement with Open Atlas Project

Ogor.ro’s participation in the Open Atlas Industry Days provided valuable insights and networking opportunities. “The event was an excellent opportunity to broaden our network and gain insights from international experts,” Dafina said. Platforms like Open Atlas play an important role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of Earth observation and agritech.

About Open Atlas

Open Atlas is a European remote sensing platform dedicated to advancing Earth Observation research and innovation. Through its collaborative ecosystem, Open Atlas facilitates knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the development of cutting-edge algorithms. By harnessing the collective expertise of academia, industry, and government partners, Open Atlas aims to drive transformative change in the water-food nexus and beyond.

Visit Open Atlas Platform

Researchers interested in contributing to the Open Atlas platform are encouraged to submit their innovative algorithms. By sharing their expertise and insights, contributors can play a vital role in accelerating innovation and shaping the future of Earth Observation research. For more information, visit the Open Atlas Project.