Leveraging their high success rate from previous years, European Space Imaging has been awarded a fourth multi-year agriculture framework contract to deliver an estimated 1.2 million square kilometres of Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery and associated services in support of the European Commission’s (EC) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Agriculture land near Munich, Germany, captured on 13 September 2020 with WorldView-3 
© European Space Imaging

This exclusive framework contract between the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and European Space Imaging relies on the delivery of VHR satellite imagery to the European Union Member States with a minimum 95% success rate according to defined image profiles and associated planning activity, in support to on-the-spot checks (OTSC’s) and to the Land Parcel Identification System Quality Assurance (LPIS QA) of the CAP. 

 “We have been participating in this framework since 2004 and have proven to be a reliable data supplier delivering close to or equal to 100% success rate year on year” said Adrian Zevenbergen, Managing Director at European Space Imaging. “We are proud to once again be awarded this exclusive contract to assist the EU Member States in assisting the CAP programme to achieve sustainable agriculture for the success of Europe.” 

The contract has an estimated total value of 20.5 million EUR over a period of up to 4 years and will be carried out by European Space Imaging in collaboration with its technology partner GAF AG and in close cooperation with the satellite operators Maxar Technologies, Satellogic and SI Imaging Services (SIIS ).

 “Through our innovative partnerships, we coordinate collections across a constellation of satellite sensors using a combination of direct and indirect tasking” said Dr. Melanie Rankl, Project Manager at European Space Imaging. “With an increasing number of missions available in the near future, we are in a unique position to offer transparent and efficient management of future multi-mission campaigns for the EU”.

The introduction of satellite remote sensing and GIS into the CAP checks results from a long and close collaboration between the Directorate-General for Agriculture (DG Agri) and JRC that started 20 years ago. Since this time, DG Agri has promoted the use of VHR data within the ‘Control with Remote Sensing’ (CwRS) as an appropriate control system suitable for checking whether or not financial aid is granted correctly. 

The image used within this release is available for editorial use only. Copyright must be attributed as noted in captions.

About European Space Imaging
Based in Munich, Germany and established in 2002, European Space Imaging is the leading premium supplier of global very high resolution (VHR) satellite imagery and derived services to customers in Europe and North Africa. With almost 20 years’ experience, European Space Imaging has developed a reputation for expert and personalised customer service and an unbeatable track record for supplying tailored Very High Resolution imagery solutions to meet the diverse projects and requirements of their customers.

Furthermore, European Space Imaging is the only European satellite data provider to supply imagery at true 30 cm resolution and who own and operate its own multi-mission ground station for direct satellite tasking and local data downlink. For more information visit our website. 

About The EC Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
Launched in 1962, the EC’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between agriculture and society, and between Europe and its farmers. It aims to:

•    support farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ensuring a stable supply of affordable food;
•    safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living;
•    help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources;
•    maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU;
•    keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri-foods industries and associated sectors.

The CAP is a common policy for all EU countries. It is managed and funded at European level from the resources of the EU’s budget. To learn more, please visit the CAP website.