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Innovation in Arable Farming: Technologies for Sustainable Farming Systems

Explore how innovative, digital technologies can help achieve sustainable intensification of arable farming systems.

2,395 enrolled on this course

Harvesting a field of wheat
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • Accreditation

    AvailableMore info
The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Consider ways arable farmers in the EU can use agri-tech to benefit business

Intensification of arable farming systems can be achieved through the adoption of innovative technologies, without negatively impacting the environment. However, uptake of these technologies by farmers across the EU has been limited.

On this course, you’ll explore evidence-based information that outlines the benefits and challenges of adopting new technologies within the EU, and have the chance to read case study examples of some of these applications.

You’ll learn from other farmers who have already adopted agri-tech on their farm and hear how they overcame any barriers to adoption.

You’ll also evaluate the potential of agri-tech to enhance production while meeting environmental and social responsibilities.

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What topics will you cover?

• Sustainable arable farming

• Case studies of data driven agri-tech solutions

• Precision agriculture

• Data collection technologies

• Financial considerations

• Social considerations

• Environmental considerations

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Improve your knowledge on the concepts of precision agriculture and sustainable intensification and the impact these can have on farming systems.
  • Compare the different technologies that can be used to increase productivity and know how to work out yields to profit.
  • Explore how to use agri-tech to help reduce environmental impacts of farm practices.
  • Identify which skills are necessary to implement new data-driven arable farming techniques.
  • Develop an action plan for precision farming.

Who is the course for?

This course would appeal to individuals working in the agricultural industry – including farmers, growers, and other primary producers.

It would also benefit environmental sector workers, farm advisors, agronomists, agricultural extension workers, inputs supply companies, agri-tech developers, and others who wish to develop their knowledge in this expanding area.

Who will you learn with?

I am a Senior Research Fellow in the School of
Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading.
My research focuses on sustainable agriculture and enhancing fieldwork learning.

I am an Associate Professor in the Institute of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Hohenheim. My research focuses on Precision Farming and Automation in Agriculture.

I am Manager Technology Innovation Strategy at the John Deere European Technology Innovation Center in Germany. My research focus is on precision agriculture and sustainable food production

Who developed the course?

EIT Food

EIT Food is Europe’s leading food initiative, working to make the food system more sustainable, healthy and trusted.

University of Reading

The University of Reading has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise.

European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

The European Institute of Innovation & Technology strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial skills in Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem.

Endorsers and supporters

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John Deere logo

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Agricolus logo

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Learning on FutureLearn

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  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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