Precision agriculture: cultivating the future
Precision agriculture relies on measurement tools and decision-support systems to fine‑tune farming practices, plot by plot. Its goal is to use resources in a more targeted way and to improve the efficiency of field operations through increasingly advanced monitoring and analysis technologies.
On one hand, the world’s population to feed is expected to reach 9.6 billion people by 2050 according to the UN¹. On the other, the agricultural sector accounts for nearly one quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the IPCC². Faced with this dilemma, a promising solution is emerging: precision agriculture. The principle is simple—use every available technological advance to optimise agricultural production processes.
Technology, the best ally of Agriculture
To achieve this, an impressive array of technologies is being put at farmers’ disposal: GPS, satellites, drones, smart sensors, AI‑powered analysis platforms… All of these tools share the same purpose: collecting data, analysing it, and leveraging it to improve the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of farming operations while preserving resources as much as possible.
Thanks to the data collected—whether on plant health, soil conditions, or weather forecasts—farmers can accurately understand the needs of their crops and respond with precision, optimising the use of water, energy, and inputs. This approach offers numerous advantages. First, the rational use of resources lowers production costs, improving yields and profitability. Next, reducing chemical inputs and optimising irrigation helps protect the environment. Finally, the data gathered throughout the production process provides consumers with flawless traceability of agricultural products. The added value is tangible: precision agriculture can increase yields by 5 to 10%, while reducing fertiliser and pesticide use by 15 to 20%.
A promising sector
According to a Berg Insight report, the precision agriculture market is expected to grow from €5.5 billion to €9.5 billion between 2023 and 2028. Building on this momentum, many startups are emerging in the “AgriTech” sector. In early May 2025, the UK‑based startup Gardin raised $4.5 million. With an optical sensor capable of measuring plant photosynthesis in real time and an associated artificial intelligence platform, Gardin enables farmers to fine‑tune lighting and irrigation, achieving up to 15% higher yields and 20 to 30% energy savings³.
Meanwhile, Weenat, a startup from Nantes, raised €8.5 million in April 2024. It notably offers sensors that measure soil moisture in real time, helping farmers manage irrigation with precision—maximising yields while limiting water use.
AgriTech, Agriculture 2.0
After MarTech, FinTech, FoodTech… here comes AgriTech! This neologism, a contraction of the words agriculture and technology, encompasses all the players who use new technologies to improve their production.
Sources
1. UN World Report (in French)
2. 2020 IPCC Report (in French)
3. PR Newswire May 2025 (in French)
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