In an era where agriculture faces mounting pressures from both environmental concerns and regulatory complexities, Syngenta France and xFarm Technologies have embarked on a significant collaboration to provide French farmers with advanced digital tools. This recently announced partnership, seeks to enhance compliance with phytosanitary application requirements when non-target crops are in close proximity, a critical issue in modern farming.
The collaboration centers on Quali'Cible, Syngenta France’s decision support system (DSS), designed to guide farmers in determining the suitability of specific phytosanitary products for their fields. This tool is indispensable in a regulatory landscape that demands precision in the application of crop protection products to ensure safety and sustainability. By integrating the cutting-edge geospatial AI capabilities of xFarm Technologies, the system is poised for a transformative upgrade.
"Quali'Cible is part of a broader approach to supporting farmers in the proper application of crop protection products. We're proud that Quali'Cible can benefit from the latest artificial intelligence technologies thanks to xFarm Technologies , and that this is made easily accessible to all French farmers" François-Xavier Bauer, Syngenta France
xFarm Technologies, a leader in agricultural digitalization, brings to the table its expertise in geospatial intelligence and data-driven farming solutions. Supporting over 450,000 farms across more than 100 countries, xFarm’s digital platform manages approximately 7 million hectares globally. This collaboration leverages the company's capability to analyze satellite imagery to detect non-target crops such as sorghum, millet, buckwheat, and chia. This geospatial technology has already been applied to map the entire agricultural expanse of France, encompassing roughly 25 million hectares, ensuring that Quali'Cible offers farmers unparalleled accuracy and utility.
The initiative reflects a broader trend of merging technological innovation with practical agricultural needs. For Syngenta France, a subsidiary of one of the world’s foremost agri-science companies, the partnership aligns with its commitment to sustainable and precise farming practices. François-Xavier Bauer, Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Lead at Syngenta France, emphasized that Quali'Cible is an integral part of their efforts to support farmers. The integration of advanced AI technologies by xFarm, he noted, will make the tool more accessible and effective for all French farmers.
Similarly, Sami Yacoubi, Head of Geospatial AI at xFarm Technologies, highlighted the significance of this partnership. For Yacoubi, the synergy between xFarm’s technological expertise and Syngenta’s agricultural acumen represents a meaningful step toward equipping farmers with tools that not only simplify their work but also promote environmentally responsible practices. This sentiment underscores a shared vision of enhancing both economic and environmental outcomes for agriculture.
"Syngenta France is a top player in the innovation for agriculture, so we are very pleased to be their partner in this project that will provide French farmers with an even better DSS tool. Geospatial AI can be a game changer in agriculture, allowing us to provide farmers with increasingly sophisticated tools to make their work easier and help them implement better and more sustainable agronomic practices, both environmentally and economically". Sami Yacoubi, xFarm Technologies
The partnership builds on a year of strategic advancements for xFarm Technologies, which has established itself as a key player in the European agri-tech sector. Earlier in the year, xFarm strengthened its portfolio through acquisitions of Greenfield Technologies, a Spanish leader in regenerative agriculture, and SpaceSense, a French geospatial AI company. These moves, coupled with a €36 million Series C funding round led by Partech’s Impact Growth Fund, reflect the company’s focus on fostering sustainable agricultural practices and scaling its global operations.
Beyond its financial milestones, xFarm has also forged partnerships to drive sustainability in agriculture. A notable collaboration with Viterra, announced in October, supports farmers in adopting regenerative and low-carbon agricultural methods, underlining the company’s commitment to aligning innovation with ecological stewardship.
As Syngenta France and xFarm Technologies continue to refine Quali'Cible, the partnership promises to serve as a model of how technology and agriculture can converge to address contemporary challenges. By equipping farmers with tools that are both sophisticated and practical, this collaboration underscores the potential of digitalization to foster a more sustainable and productive future for agriculture. For French farmers, it marks a step toward greater precision, compliance, and environmental responsibility in their daily practices.
French farmers are gaining a digital edge through a partnership between Syngenta and xFarm, which offers innovative solutions for farm management. By adopting digital tools, farmers can optimize their operations, improve crop yields, and make more informed decisions. This partnership highlights the growing importance of technology in agriculture, which is also relevant to other industries. As businesses explore new opportunities, such as a new business setup in Dubai, embracing digital tools and solutions can significantly enhance efficiency and success in a competitive market.