EO based agricultural monitoring for Common Agricultural Policy

Situation

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a European Union policy that aims to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity in a sustainable way.

With an annual budget of nearly €60 billion, the CAP provides direct payments, market interventions, and rural development measures. The Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), implemented by national Paying Agencies, manages and controls the CAP budget to ensure that funds are used effectively and farmers submit accurate declarations. Earth Observation (EO) technology is increasingly used to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the IACS, especially with the ongoing CAP reforms.

Solution

The Sen4CAP project delivered validated algorithms, products, workflows, and best practices for agricultural monitoring to European and national CAP stakeholders.

The project developed several products using integrated Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data. These include a cultivated crop type map, grassland mowing product, vegetation status indicator, and agricultural practices monitoring product. Additionally, interactive visualization services for satellite imagery and use-case products were created. The performance of these products was validated against ground truth data.

Sen4CAP focused on demonstrating how Sentinel-derived information can support CAP modernization and simplification beyond 2020. An open-source processing system was also developed and validated. The project's demonstration phase included training and capacity building to transfer the developed EO products and services to Paying Agencies. These resources aid CAP management in a significant way. 

Results

Our products are used by Paying Agencies in 7 EU countries. 

Gisat developed, tested, and validated methods for monitoring agricultural practices, including crop harvest and tillage detection, and monitoring of fallow lands, catch-crops, and nitrogen-fixing crops. The resulting products were demonstrated and validated in partnership with Paying Agencies of 7 pilot countries.

www.esa-sen4cap.org