Key Takeaways
- Innovative Project Launch: FARMEYE has introduced the Purlieu project, which aims to enhance the conservation and management of Ireland’s hedgerows.
- Technological Integration: Purlieu utilizes advanced technologies like GNSS, LiDAR, and satellite imagery to provide detailed assessments of hedgerow health and carbon storage.
- Significant Support: The European Space Agency backs the project, highlighting its importance and potential impact on sustainable agriculture.
- Environmental Impact: Hedgerows are vital for biodiversity, soil erosion mitigation, and agricultural resilience, covering approximately 4% of Ireland’s national land area.
- Project Duration: Spanning 22 months, the project began on January 17, 2024, focusing on long-term sustainability and conservation goals.
Overview of the Purlieu Project
FARMEYE, a leader in natural capital software development, has officially launched the Purlieu project. This project will create innovative tools to quantify and enhance regenerative agriculture practices in Ireland and beyond. With financial support from the European Space Agency (ESA), this project is set to revolutionize the way hedgerows, crucial to Ireland’s agricultural and ecological landscapes, are managed and conserved.
The Role of Hedgerows
Hedgerows are emblematic of Ireland’s rural scenery and play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, mitigating soil erosion, sheltering livestock, and enhancing agricultural resilience. According to the BRIAR project conducted by Teagasc in 2019, there are about 689,000 km of hedgerows across the Republic of Ireland, significantly contributing to the ecological and environmental health of the region.
Technological Advancements in Agriculture
Purlieu combines ground-based data capture with satellite imagery and advanced modelling techniques to deliver precise insights into hedgerow measurement and composition. By employing GNSS and LiDAR technology, FARMEYE offers a reliable and cost-effective method for assessing hedgerow health and their potential for carbon sequestration, providing actionable insights to farmers and land managers.
Statements from FARMEYE Leadership
Dr. Eoghan Finneran, co-founder and CEO of FARMEYE, emphasized the project’s alignment with the company’s mission: “FARMEYE gives farmers actionable insights to promote environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability. Purlieu demonstrates our commitment to innovating cutting-edge technology for the greater good, giving valuable metrics to stakeholders while preserving our natural heritage.”
Jessica Hicks, R&D Project Manager at FARMEYE, also highlighted the collaboration with ESA: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with the ESA on this exciting and impactful project. The continued commitment from ESA to Purlieu adds to the growing recognition of FARMEYE as a European leader in Natural Capital measurement technologies.”
FARMEYE Latest News
Discover the company’s profile here.
Advances AgTech With New Office and Solutions (2024/02/20)
FARMEYE, a leader in the agricultural technology sector, opened a new office in Monksland, Athlone, which was attended by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Simon Coveney. FARMEYE’s innovative MRV platform empowers stakeholders in the agricultural sector to make informed decisions by offering insights into soil health, farm carbon, and environmental data. The company aims to revolutionize agriculture through technology and make sustainable farming practices more accessible and effective worldwide. FARMEYE has a growing team of 20 employees mapped for soil health in eight countries, and Enterprise Ireland continues to support its ambitious scaling agenda.
Image provided by FARMEYE
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