Problem: Soy is one of the world's top four-most produced crops, but an increase in land used for soy production is resulting in the destruction of forests, savannahs and grassland. The development of sustainable alternatives is vital for feeding future generations.
ESA-backed solution: With 80% of the world’s soybean crop being used for animal feed, DryGo is a company that aims to produce a new inexpensive, high-protein animal feed input called lemna – using Earth observation satellite data and communications satellite services. Producing lemna uses 99% less water than producing soybeans, and the crop grows eight times faster.
With ESA's support, DryGro is developing six lemna growing units in Kenya to pilot the new technology. To mitigate many of the factors currently limiting agricultural productivity, DryGro uses climate management systems that rely on a steady stream of data. These data come from Earth observation satellites, ground sensors, and weather forecasts.