"Crop protection management increases productivity and profitability" – Interview with Celso Macedo,Nufarm's Marketing Director in Latin America

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

AgroPages exclusively interviewed Celso Macedo (Nufarm's Marketing Director in Latin America), who talked about the agreement with Farmers Edge in Brazil, as well as the company's bet on precision agriculture technology.

What is the details of the agreement between Nufarm and Farmers Edge?

It is an exclusive three-year commercial agreement between the two companies that aim to give farmers using Nufarm’s portfolio the opportunity to access Farmers Edge's precision farming technology. Areas of property connected to the services of Farmers Edge will be proportional to the portfolio acquired from Nufarm. Together, the companies will offer the agribusiness industry a wide portfolio of services for managing rural properties. Their business model integrates the management of crop protection products with a group of digital technologies, to increase crop productivity and profitability.

How can these tools optimize the use of agrochemicals?

Nufarm has one of the most reliable and effective portfolios of post-patent agrochemicals available in the country, consisting of some 70 products. After selling our portfolio to farmers, at first, they can receive free Farmers Edge services for a specific area for one year. After surveying data and images of their rural property, they will be able to make the best decisions in terms of cost and benefit when using our pesticides. Simplified data management reduces data collection, processing and transfer time. Its visual representation helps farmers quickly detect what is relevant, from processed maps and real-time visualization, to the analysis of management zones, predictive modeling and specific reports.

Why is it important for the system to not need internet connection?

A feature of the business model highlighted by the two companies is the fact that Farmers Edge is able to collect data in any type of agricultural environment through either wireless or cellular networks, as several areas of Brazil’s productive zone, such as Mato Grosso, lack full data, voice and image coverage. The data is stored and later synchronized when the farm office has access to the internet.

What do producers gain from the use of these technologies?

Available information and data analysis can help farmers make better planting, planning and budgetary decisions. From historical data analysis to the future planning of farm areas, they can facilitate the organization of field activities, increase efficiency in property management, reduce working time and, consequently, increase net profits.

Why is Nufarm firmly committed to digital agriculture, and what new plans will it draft?

This partnership places Nufarm in the world of digital agriculture and makes it a company that is prepared for the future, innovative and can offer the most technologically-advanced solutions to farmers. The union of Nufarm and Farmers Edge will help meet the customized demands of producers and farms. The business model also enables our field team to utilize advanced analysis and better data intelligence.

Every decision is made using high quality and well-integrated data. We will provide precise recommendations ranging from product selection to indicated doses, to ensure higher crop production at the best cost-benefit ratio. Nufarm, as a pioneering and customer-oriented company, understands that through using quality products and being well-positioned in the field, higher levels of safety can be achieved and, consequently, greater profitability for farmers.