New software will enhance environmental credentials

UK farming has only a “thin veneer” of traceability and environmental accountability right now – and an increasingly discerning public will need more than that, if it is to stay loyal to locally produced food.

It was with this warning that a new software package for farmers was launched this week, promising to fill the gaps that the current food chain has neglected, and possibly even to revolutionise that food chain in farmers’ favour.

The private company behind the Sandy digital assistant for farmers, Trinity Agtech, has assembled an impressive team in support of its product, and made it clear that what was on offer was more than just a plug-and-play data recording app – it was an ongoing subscription to a platform of independent experts that would continue to update and finesse the system, and enhance its credibility and value to the industry.

Among Sandy’s core tools are carbon footprint and biodiversity assessments; it manages and optimises livestock feed strategy; and offers crop management at a sub-field level, monitoring crop performance, growth, nutrient status and yield prediction.

One of the people behind the project is Richard Williamson, former managing director and farms director of Beeswax Farming and Velcourt respectively.

He said: “Our industry is changing, and Sandy has come at a time when farmers are being forced to ask themselves how their business will evolve. But within this change, there are opportunities for farmers to capture different and diverse income streams. However, farmers need clear, independent and robust information to succeed in these.”

For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk