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Harvesting grapes at the right time is crucial for winemakers, but climate change is disrupting this delicate balance. In France, global warming has caused shifts in harvest dates and the appearance of plant diseases in wine-growing regions. To adapt, vintners are turning to satellite technology to track the progress and health of their vines. Startups like Ticinum Aerospace and TerraNIS offer data platforms that provide detailed information about vineyards in a fast-warming environment.

Satellite imagery can help vintners make decisions based on data rather than relying solely on traditional methods. By monitoring grape health, vineyard owners can determine the optimal time for harvesting. This precise approach to winemaking may not be romantic, but it is necessary in the face of climate change.

Moreover, the application of satellite technology goes beyond winemaking. As the world faces a global food crisis, cutting-edge satellite sensors can play a significant role in slowing down malnutrition and famine in vulnerable regions. By using Earth-observation data, farmers may manage their fields more effectively by detecting crop diseases, monitoring pest infestations, determining nutrient needs, assessing water stress, and evaluating quality.

Experts believe that combining satellite recommendations with GPS-driven farm machinery could revolutionize farming practices while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 13%. The market for satellite data in agriculture is expected to double by 2030, reaching nearly billion.

Satellite imagery measures various wavelengths reflected by vegetation, indicating crop health, biomass, leaf area, and chlorophyll content. This information can determine the need for fertilizers and irrigation at specific locations in a field, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waste.

Both the European Union and the United States have recognized the potential of satellite technology in agriculture. The EU is incorporating satellite monitoring into its Common Agricultural Policy to reduce emissions and improve sustainability, while in the US, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act aims to leverage satellite connectivity to benefit farmers.

By harnessing the power of satellite technology, the wine industry and agriculture as a whole can adapt to the challenges imposed by a changing climate. The insights derived from satellite data may not only help mitigate the impact of global warming but also safeguard the world’s food supply.

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