Client:
The Slovak Agricultural Payment Agency
Our role:
We developed an automated satellite monitoring system to help our client verify claims more efficiently than traditional manual processes.
Country:
Slovakia
Setting the scene
Farmers must adhere to specific operational timelines, such as those for harvesting and mowing, to qualify for various subsidies. This presents a need for efficient compliance checks to demonstrate these timelines are being followed. This means there is significant demand for a scalable solution that can effectively detect harvests, assess vegetation health, predict crop yields and verify the accuracy of farmer declarations.
How we helped
We developed a satellite monitoring system, named Farmhands, that automates large-scale data collection and analysis for farmland monitoring purposes.
It used Earth Observation data, mainly publicly available satellite imagery, to provide full national coverage of approximately 50,000 km² area. Each of more than 250,000 fields was evaluated individually throughout the season. Farmhands accurately detected harvest timelines verified subsidy requirements and evaluated vegetation health. It achieved high accuracy by fusing diverse data sources, from satellite imagery to high-resolution drone footage.
To provide a robust and complex solution while keeping it cost-efficient at the same time, we developed Farmhands using an existing established open-source system called Sen4CAP. It was developed by European Space Agency, and its variations are used across Europe. We developed new capabilities and calibrated the whole system for use in Slovakia. Crucially we customised Farmhands to allow seamless integration into existing client workflows and systems, minimising disruption.
“We supported our client in moving from random sample checks to near real-time monitoring of the full subsidy population. This enabled them to streamline operations, reduce costs, and minimise inappropriate or inaccurate claims. Most importantly, the solution enhanced stakeholder confidence and reinforced trust in the agency.”
Ivan Hlavenka, Partner, Technology Solutions, PwC SlovakiaImpact and potential
Before implementation of our solution, our client was able to verify approximately 1% of subsidy claims. Farmhands empowered them to scale this up to 100% virtually overnight. Using continuous satellite coverage and full automation, the solution analyses every single plot of farmland. When it detects potential inconsistencies, it raises warnings and provides data for further verification.
This approach is cost effective as it reduces costly and time-consuming field inspections. It also facilitates increased regulatory compliance and monitoring coverage.
Additionally, the data it produces can be used further to predict vegetation health and yields, which is vital for effective agricultural planning and informed decision-making. It drives more efficient resource management and better overall outcomes in farming practices.
