Chamber Highlights Role of Space Technology on Agribusiness

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce Space Enterprise Council today highlighted the critical role of space and earth science to agribusiness in the 21st century, during an industry summit with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and NOAA Administrator Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr. USN (Ret.).

"Space technologies are having a growing impact on the agricultural industry," said David Logsdon, executive director of Space Enterprise Council. "These technologies have helped farmers to improve productivity, cut costs, and maximize their crops in an environmentally sustainable way."

New applications to the agriculture marketplace provided by space technologies include: global positioning (GPS), sensors, and satellite-based imagery to help farmers better estimate fertilizer needs and to more accurately predict crop yields, according to the Chamber. Farmers are now better able to streamline their businesses and to be more precise about where and when to plant crops.

"Farmers have the ability to utilize earth science information and technology to maximize their efficiency," continued Logsdon. "The Chamber is working with the aerospace and agribusiness communities to ensure that advances in space-based technology continue to reach more of our nation's farmers."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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