UAS4SIMPLIFY
Drone inspections for agriculture and fisheries
Description
UAS4SIMPLIFY is a public project by the Agencia de Gestión Agraria y Pesquera de Andalucía (AGAPA) in Spain that uses drones and AI to simplify field work on agricultural and fishing issues and integrate results into the region’s management systems. The goal is faster, more accurate and reliable controls, evaluations and planning on land and at sea.
Technology
UAS4SIMPLIFY is delivered through an innovation procurement process: AGAPA first ran an Open Market Consultation, then published a contract notice and launched competitive calls under two challenges “RETO MAR” and “RETO TIERRA”, selecting proposals for piloting and operational validation. The technical setup focuses on deployable, interoperable solutions where drone-acquired information is automatically processed using AI and transformed into structured outputs that can be ingested by the administration’s existing workflows and IT systems. Results appear in simple GIS dashboards.
Target
Primary users are public-sector inspectors and administrative teams; farmers and fishery operators benefit indirectly through faster, more reliable controls and earlier support.
Business model
The UAS4SIMPLIFY project is part of the Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI). AGAPA funds and procures innovation through a competitive tender, contracting suppliers to deliver and operationalize solutions. The budget is invested by the public procurer, with a total amount of EUR 2 044 667 and financed under the Andalusia ERDF/FEDER operational programme.
Impact
The UAS4SIMPLIFY project aims to deliver higher service quality and faster decisions while using human and material resources more efficiently. Target reductions include up to 70 percent in costs for inventories and emergency assessments, up to 10 percent in costs for field checks, up to 80 percent in the cost of integrating information into administrative systems, up to 40 percent for inventory updates, and up to 70 percent fewer trips, leading to a lower carbon footprint from reduced vehicle use. The socio-economic impact of precision-ag drones in Spain is estimated at EUR 585 million by 2035 and EUR 546 million by 2050.
Partners
Sidi Consultoría y Gestión S.L; ITG Technology Center
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
