NASA Acres is a consortium that translates NASA satellite Earth observation data into practical tools and information for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural decision-makers. The initiative connects agricultural researchers with an early-adopter network of growers through its Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT) to co-develop science-based solutions. It focuses on improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability through applications like crop monitoring and resource management.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Farmers and ranchers face significant challenges including climate change, water scarcity, and market volatility, yet they lack access to practical, actionable data from advanced Earth observation technologies. A disconnect also exists between agricultural researchers developing satellite data tools and the producers who need them, hindering the adoption of innovations that could improve productivity and sustainability.
Solution
NASA Acres brings the value of NASA's Earth observation technology down to Earth by bridging the space-to-farm gap. The consortium partners directly with farmers, ranchers, and agrifood system decision-makers to turn satellite research and education into practical, impactful tools. By collaborating with a network of early adopters through its Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT), NASA Acres ensures that satellite data applications are developed with and for the agricultural community, building tools that directly address producer needs and enhance U.S. agricultural prosperity and resilience.
Target Audience
The primary audience includes U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agrifood system decision-makers, alongside researchers, crop consultants, and extension professionals seeking to apply satellite data to practical agricultural challenges.
Features
- Collaborative co-creation model pairing farmers directly with NASA Acres researchers to develop impactful applications that address real-world needs.
- A tiered engagement framework that integrates farmers into the innovation ecosystem, building their familiarity with remote sensing and Earth observation technologies.
- A nationwide network of early-adopter farmers, ranchers, crop consultants, and researchers that informs tool development and provides practical feedback.
- Focus on developing tools that provide richer knowledge about agricultural land use, productivity, and sustainability from past and present satellite data.
- Operates through a consortium model to leverage expertise across university, government, and industry partners to improve agricultural competitiveness and resource efficiency.