Sustainable agriculture is not just a buzzword anymore; it has become a critical need in today’s world to combat climate change and ensure food security for future generations. In response to this pressing demand, DTN, a global data, analytics, and technology company, has taken a pioneering step by introducing EcoField data, specifically designed to support the rapidly growing sustainable agriculture sector. This innovative data offering provides agribusinesses and grain traders with essential insights into field-level sustainable agriculture practices and inputs across 35 U.S. states for 19 grain and pasture types.
EcoField data is a game-changer for the agriculture industry, delivering comprehensive information on more than 50 sustainable practices and inputs that directly impact carbon emissions, soil health, and water conservation. Key indicators include fertilizer application, crop protection usage, irrigation, cover crop and tillage practices, and equipment emissions. The data is accessible through an application programming interface (API) or a proprietary dashboard interface, making it convenient for industry leaders to incorporate into their systems.
Grey Montgomery, DTN’s Global Leader for Strategy and Corporate Development, emphasized the significance of EcoField data, stating, “With an increasing focus on sustainable agriculture and significant ESG goals being set by organizations across the agriculture supply chain, industry leaders must have access to the best available data on sustainable practices.”
Indeed, EcoField data comes at a pivotal moment as sustainable farming practices gain traction among producers in the U.S. The agriculture sector is witnessing a rising awareness of the importance of soil health, carbon credits, and traceability in ensuring successful transactions. Initiatives like the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) grant program further encourage cover crop adoption and long-term practice changes. Additionally, large companies are facing growing demands from investors and governments to provide better reporting on the carbon footprint of their supply chains. EcoField data can play a vital role in supporting these sustainable initiatives.
DTN’s EcoField data is not only valuable for its immediate application but also for its potential to shape the future of agriculture. By providing field-level insights, it empowers agribusinesses and traders to confidently support farmers with sustainable solutions. Sustainability officers can incorporate this data into their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) plans and goals, enabling comprehensive reporting and traceability throughout the agriculture supply chain.
“For more than 40 years, DTN has provided objective data and insights to the agriculture sector,” said Montgomery. “EcoField data is a natural evolution to help our customers and the industry prosper by growing and managing sustainable commodities for the next generation.”
DTN’s commitment to sustainable agriculture is further demonstrated through its partnership with the Farmers for Soil Health Climate Smart collaboration, where it is a recipient of one of the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities project grants. This collaboration showcases DTN’s dedication to supporting environmentally conscious initiatives that promote sustainable practices and positive impacts on the agricultural landscape.
As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change and food security, access to accurate and reliable data like EcoField is crucial for the agriculture sector to build a greener and more sustainable future. By leveraging DTN’s EcoField data, agribusinesses, grain traders, and other stakeholders can play their part in transforming the agriculture chain into an environmentally responsible and resilient system for generations to come.
DTN is a global, data, analytics, and technology company that provides trusted operational intelligence for organizations with complex supply chains worldwide. With cloud-based data, applications, and insights, DTN empowers businesses to improve service delivery and the movement of goods across various critical sectors of the global economy. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, and Utrecht, Netherlands, DTN operates or has investments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, supported by a team of over 1,200 employees worldwide.
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