New initiative – AEA Precision Farming Forum
The Agricultural Engineers Association has formed an AEA Precision Farming Forum
Bringing together those companies that are active in this innovative area of farming that will provide one of the key inputs to increasing our crop yields significantly by 2050.
Precision Farming is defined as the management of farming and growing practices that use the latest technology [in computers, processors, satellite positioning systems, remote sensing devices, imagery, camera and communication of all types] to design products and services to a. provide better information, b. improve the management and control and optimise inputs and costs, c. Assist farmers in making informed decisions.
The aims of the Forum are:
- To provide a forum for members to discuss collaboration, connectivity and promotion
- To provide members with access to AEA Farm and Outdoor Power Equipment members and the opportunity to showcase their products, services and ideas.
- To provide the basis for promoting the sector to Government (UK and EU), farmers and any other potential users.
- To assist in getting sensors and Information and Communications Technology onto the EU Research Framework Programme (FP8) funding agenda and other funding opportunities
Membership is free but members of the Forum will be encouraged to join the AEA.
Amongst the projects agreed at the first meeting on 13th April in Peterborough are:
- Access the feasibility of creating a robust knowledge database that provides hardware and software connectivity information for all farm and PF equipment.
- Evaluation of the current ISOBUS standard (ISO 11783) which despite many claims does not seem to be ideal for farmers in many applications.
- Improved Precision Farming events including a new feature at Tillage Live
- Discussions with the British Banking Association and banks to improve the funding of Precision Farming projects
- More application to both the UK Technology Strategy Board and the EU Framework for Research and Development
- A major survey of farmers to establish concerns, requirements and feedback.
If you or your company wish to be involved please contact Roger Lane-Nott at ceo@aea.uk.com
The AEA was formed in 1875 and is the trade association for manufacturers of farm and outdoor power equipment covering machines from combine harvesters to secateurs and everything in between.
Membership ranges from international corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises. The Association has consistently held in membership companies which together supply in excess of 80% in value of the national annual turnover in the markets concerned.
The Associations main functions are:
- to be the voice of the industry to government, to the European institutions and in contact with the media;
- to assist members with the sale and promotion of their products within the UK and overseas;
- to encourage research and development;
- to monitor and attempt to contain the flow of regulation;
- to collect industry statistics, engage in economic forecasting and supply market intelligence;
- to circulate technical information and to participate in the creation of British, European and international standards; and
- to provide a forum in which members can exchange views and opinions on relevant topics and to act as social focus for the industry