A user forum to present and defend the needs of farmers in the development of GNSS applications and services

The aim of UNIFARM is to contribute to the strengthening of scientific and technological excellence on the satellite navigation domain through its application in agriculture. Agriculture is a very special market as all professionals are in principle entrepreneurs. Increased awareness, exchange between regional initiatives, stimulated bottom-up innovation and expressed user requirements provide ground for science and technology R&D to strive for excellence. Precision Agriculture in the ‘European Way’ is different from American or Australian precision agriculture. The former is more aiming at costs- and input-reduction. In this way Precision Agriculture is a key enabler of a more sustainable agriculture – meaning economical viable, socially acceptable and environmental friendly. By improving the adoption of GNSS-based applications and services in the broad diversity of European farmers, innovations that could also be competitive in other strong agricultural economies as Brazil, India, or China, are created. UNIFARM focuses on the requirements and needs of the majority of farmers, today and in the next ten years, aiming at bridging the gap between early adopters and the majority. This forum’s goal is to coordinate and support existing European local initiatives and create a platform of knowledge sharing and innovation stimulation across Europe (and beyond if needed).