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Why farmers are the true heroes in the battle against climate change

Innovating with purpose and using technology for impact

The world’s most innovative technology and agriculture companies are rallying their support behind farmers, who face the daunting task of ramping up productivity to new levels in the race to feed a growing population that crested 8 billion in November 2022.

As arguably the most dedicated and true stewards of the land, farmers tend to be independent and pragmatic. They know their land better than anyone else — and stand to lose the most by adopting farming practices that degrade their water supply or damage their soil’s long-term health. Their ability to optimize productivity and profitability in the long term is what will enable their businesses to ensure water and soil health are maintained for generations to come. For many farmers, this is their legacy and has been passed down for generations.

Given that the agriculture sector currently generates 19–29% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the potential for this industry to move the needle — by supporting grower initiatives and investing in innovative technologies that enable cost-effective, sustainable farm practices — is substantial.

At Trimble, this is at the core of what we do. Our commitment is to offer farmers solutions that drive productivity and enhance sustainability, while also improving ROI. Here are some examples:

  • Section Control — Results in average savings of inputs (fertilizer) of approximately 9%, according to early data compiled by Trimble.

  • WeedSeeker 2 — This revolutionary spot spray system is designed to save you money on weed control by only applying herbicide when a weed passes under the sensor – reducing chemical use by up to 90%.

  • Bilberry — In 2022, Trimble acquired this French technology company specializing in selective spraying systems for sustainable farming. 

And these efforts go beyond the farmgate and into the supply chain. Stakeholders throughout the food system will play a part in improving the traceability and visibility of sustainability efforts.

Trimble supports agronomists, agribusiness and food companies as they use data to both support farmers and help share the story of agricultural sustainability with the non-farming public, including:

  • Improving visibility to connect food with sustainable farm practices

  • Implementing robust solutions that strengthen supply chain traceability

  • Partnering on leading-edge solutions that help reduce environmental risk

One of our mission statements at Trimble is ‘Dedicated to the world's tomorrow’ – and it is much more than a tagline. Sustainability at Trimble guides our innovation and investment in the future, with leading technologies that offer hope, purpose and pragmatic solutions for how we live, how we move and what we eat.

“Sustainability is meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”

Brundtland Report, 1987, UN World Commission on Environment and Development