The digital tools from Sentera are expected to help AB InBev agronomists in seeking a healthier environment for the farmers who supply ingredients
Image: Sentera partners with AB InBev. Photo: Courtesy of Sentera, Inc.
Sentera, an American precision agriculture software developer, has partnered with Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev) to help growers improve their productivity.
Under the partnership, AB InBev’sSmartBarley platform will use Sentera’s technology to deliver agronomic insights with acre-by-acre precision.
AB InBev’s team of agronomists will access the data to deliver value to the farmers that produce high-quality ingredients inside AB InBev’s products.
SmartBarley is now available in countries where AB InBev has direct barley growing programmes
With real-time weather data, satellite, drone, and mobile phone imagery, and field activity information, SmartBarley’s analytics and alerting tools are claimed to provide agronomists with the capability to detect problems, analyze alternatives and work with farmers in taking prompt action.
Precise and accurate data is touted to enable the tailored application of crop inputs and water resources, removing overapplication and overuse of products and in providing the necessary insights to growers in optimising land stewardship.
Sentera CEO Eric Taipale said: “We are excited to support AB InBev around sustainability and grower empowerment. AB InBev has made a powerful set of commitments to its growers, customers, and stakeholders.
“Likewise, Sentera’s technology has repeatedly demonstrated that farmer success, economic empowerment, and sustainable practices go hand-in-hand. This is a dramatic first for the CPG market, and we are proud to be teamed with AB InBev in this effort.”
AB InBev is claimed to support farming communities worldwide through its teams of researchers and agronomists. They work directly with more than 30,000 farmers across 13 countries and five continents to grow beer ingredients such as barley, corn, rice, hops, sorghum and cassava.
AB InBev sustainability global vice president EzgiBarcenas said: “Partnering with Sentera allows us to dramatically accelerate progress toward achieving our 2025 sustainability goal to ensure 100% of our direct farmers are skilled, connected and financially empowered.
“Technology and innovation play pivotal roles in reaching our goal as well as ensuring the long-term viability of our supply chains. Sentera is a key strategic partner in helping us achieve this commitment.”
Sentera works with several large agriculture, forestry, and consumer-packaged goods companies to offer efficiency and productivity through its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital insights.