NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Agricultural seeds and chemicals maker Bayer launched a digital farming platform on Monday that it says will help US growers enact environmentally friendly practices and connect them with companies seeking more sustainable food, feed and biofuel ingredients.

The effort will help the seed and chemical giant diversify its revenue stream, capitalising on a decade-long farm data collection effort.

Bayer’s ForGround platform will tap weather, soil, seed and farming practice data to make recommendations to growers on how they can boost soil health, cut emissions and reduce water use and chemical applications. Environmental outcomes would then be certified by a third-party verifier so that farmers can potentially sell their grain for a premium, Bayer said.

Photo courtesy of Loren King.