Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGDA new Fraunhofer center has taken root. From 2021, the Fraunhofer Center for Biogenic Value Creation and Smart Farming will be helping to shape the future of agriculture. Its mission is to research and develop innovative farming technologies, with a focus on highly customized, automated, sustainable solutions—and Fraunhofer IGD will play a central role. The goal is to provide farmers with technical and methodological tools that empower them to overcome global challenges. These include, for instance, climate change, health hazards, and the need to address growing public demand for greater animal welfare, sustainability, and quality. The new center provides a virtual platform for collaboration across Fraunhofer institutes and across sites. It is organized into two independent initiatives in the German states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Bavaria.
What exactly does biogenic value creation entail? In addition to food production, it is about the cultivation, supply, and processing of raw agricultural materials for energy generation. And in all instances, it is vital to strike the right balance—between economic viability, eco-friendliness, and acceptance by society. Smart farming, in turn, is about digital transformation. Large volumes of data can be captured and analyzed by various sensor technologies. Digital systems can then aid decision-making, for example, by helping farmers to redesign processes or optimize the use of fertilizers, animal feed, and medication. Furthermore, assistance systems and autonomous vehicles—on land, in the air, or on the water—can counteract staff shortages while increasing efficiency and effectiveness.