The US Department of Agriculture and NASA have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to integrate the space agency’s Earth observation, geospatial analytics and statistical methodologies in support of agricultural statistics.
Both agencies expect the collaboration will strengthen USDA’s data quality and improve US farmers’ and ranchers’ access to cutting-edge technologies
NASA develops some of the most advanced sensing, computing and analytical capabilities in the world, and we should put those tools to work wherever they can deliver meaningful outcomes for the American people,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “By combining NASA’s Earth observation data and technical expertise with USDA’s knowledge of American agriculture, we can improve the information available to farmers and ranchers, strengthen our understanding of crop conditions and natural hazards, and pursue new high-risk, high-reward ideas that advance both science and American competitiveness.” Read more