Author: vassilis

The benefits of gaiasense in the SKAI Eco News TV broadcast

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On Tuesday, 28 November 2023, a special report on the gaiasense system was made on SKAI TV station and on the Eco News show presented by Korina Georgiou.

Specifically, the show, which focuses on issues related to the environment and the planet for a more sustainable future, hosted the CEO of AROSIS S.A., Tryfon Fotiadis, who spoke about smart farming and its application in the crops of the company’s production and standardization of legumes based in Kastoria.

The company AROSSIS S.A. applies NEUROPUBLIC’s gaiasense smart farming system in its farms in order to save resources, increase the quantity and quality of its production and reduce the impact of farming on the environment and climate.

In fact, Mr. Fotiadis made reference to the benefits for producers thanks to the technology and its applications, with particular emphasis on the sustainability of farms in terms of a circular economy.

“We combine the vast experience of our growers with modern farming methods. This means that we install stations in fields, which give information directly to the mobile phone of both the company’s agronomists and the grower about when to water, what ingredients are missing in the soil and what to give them,” explained Mr. Fotiadis, to conclude that “nature must want to give you its best crop and the way to challenge it to do so is to be an ally. You are an ally when you use traditional farming with the new ways of smart farming and the circular economy.”

You can watch the special feature of the show, below: https://www.skaitv.gr/episode/enimerosi/eco-news-by-dei/2023-11-28-20

The gaiasense app in the list of the most popular mobile apps

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Just before the end of this anniversary year, NEUROPUBLIC has another reason to celebrate. After the latest successes achieved by undertaking important public interest projects in the agri-food sector, as well as the recent conclusion of dynamic partnerships, the IT and Technology company with its 20-year creative path and headquarters in Piraeus, proves that high expertise, passion and dedication to innovation are rewarded.

This time, the recognition comes from the users of its own products and services, who highlighted the innovative smartphone app, gaiasense app, among the top public choices in both the Apple App Store and the Play Store for Android smartphones.

In fact, the gaiasense app, which brings the future of agricultural production into the hands of the farmer and allows him to earn more with less, is currently among the top 35 apps for iOS phones, ranking 31st, and among the top 10 apps for Android devices, ranking 9th!

NEUROPUBLIC’s gaiasense app helps to improve the quality and quantity of agricultural production, reduce the use of pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation water, reducing the impact of the production process on natural resources and climate, and – last but not least – the cost of production. At the same time, it helps to effectively address the risks that threaten production, ensures its stability and adds value to agricultural products, enhancing their safety, quality and negative carbon footprint.

Thanks to all these features, the gaiasense app is a valuable ally for the farmer’s support under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-2027, supporting producers who implement environmentally and climate-friendly practices.

The gaiasense app has been upgraded and gained new features! Nutrition Tip & Nutrient Balance

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At a glance:

  • Calculate the nutrient needs of your crop
  • You get personalized fertilization advice for your field
  • You apply environmentally and climate-friendly practices
  • You benefit from the extra ‘green’ support of the Ecological Programmes

Fertilization Tip

Now, thanks to the gaiasense app, you will be able to receive Fertilization Advice for any plot you wish.

What does this mean?

The Fertilization Advice service analyses the soil fertility of the parcel in terms of both basic soil properties and nutrient content. It calculates the availability and losses of nutrients and compares them with the needs of the crop. If the needs are not met by the soil, it advises the addition of the missing elements. To add the elements, the appropriate fertilizers, the exact dosage and the timing of their application are recommended for the best possible results, always with a focus on the protection of natural resources.

How to get the Tip

Log in to the gaiasense app. On the home page, from the menu, you can select “Fertilization Advice Version”. A list of your parcels will appear, from which you can select the one you wish to receive the advice for. You then select a crop from those currently running on that field.

Finally, you select a soil analysis from the available ones and click ” Export” to receive the advice.

We recommend that you select the most recent soil analysis recorded, so that the advice produced is based on data that best reflects the actual soil condition. *Note: The Fertilization Advice service requires that a full package (advanced) soil analysis has already been registered in the gaiasense platform by you or your agricultural advisor for the parcel of your choice. Otherwise, the order will not be able to be executed.

Nutrient balance

In addition, with the updated gaiasense app you can now receive a Nutrient Balance for the plot of your choice.

What does this mean?

The Nutrient Advisory service analyses the soil fertility of the parcel in terms of both basic soil properties and nutrient content. It calculates the availability and losses of nutrients and compares them with the needs of the crop. If the needs are not met by the soil, it advises the addition of the missing elements. To add the elements, the appropriate fertilisers, the exact dosage and the timing of their application are recommended for the best possible results, always with an emphasis on the protection of natural resources.

How to calculate the Balance

How to calculate the Balance

Log in to the gaiasense app. On the home page, from the menu, you can select “Nutrient Balance Version”. A list of your parcels will appear, from which you can select the one for which you wish to receive the Balance. You then select a crop from those currently being performed on that field.

Then, you select an advanced package soil analysis from those available. We suggest that you prefer the soil analysis that best fits chronologically with the interval you choose next.

Finally, you select the time interval for which you are interested in calculating the Nutrient Balance. The time range you can choose is set to be no more than one year (365 days) and includes one growing season.

By clicking on ” Export ” you receive a report on this balance.

It is noted that after the Crop Period Needs are estimated, the Fertilization Applications you have recorded for the period of your choice are displayed. The final Nutrient Balance and the corresponding Characterisation are obtained by comparing the Needs with the total Applications.

If the total of an added element exceeds the crop’s needs for the selected growing season, then the Balance will be given a “Surplus” designation. If, on the contrary, it falls short of the needs, it will be labelled ‘Deficiency’, and if the needs have been exactly met, it will be labelled ‘Neutral Balance’. * *Note: The Nutrient Balance service assumes that a full package (advanced) soil analysis has already been entered in the gaiasense platform for the parcel of your choice by you or your agricultural advisor. Otherwise the command will not be able to be executed.

TIF 2023: Innovation, digitalization and smart farming on the agenda of NEUROPUBLIC

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Under the shadow of the recent adverse weather that had an incalculable cost on lives and property, the 87th Thessaloniki International Fair was took place; the country’s largest international exhibition event that reflects the status and trends of domestic and international business. As a result, this year’s event was held in low tones.

The NEUROPUBLIC booth at the Trade Gate of TIF 2023.

 

Nevertheless, more than 123,000 visitors passed through the gates of the HELEXPO Exhibition Centre in Thessaloniki from 9 to 17 September, in the annual meeting of the largest Greek companies to present the market’s new proposals on technology, innovation, environmental protection, energy, education and e-government, reflecting the country’s current socio-economic reality.

The stand of NEUROPUBLIC, the dynamic Piraeus-based Technology & Information Technology company, was a pole of attraction for those visitors who wanted to see the company’s innovative proposals for agri-food, business and the wider public sector.

The NEUROPUBLIC stand at the Trade Gate of TIF 2023.

 

The Daniel storm tragically underlined the need for significant changes in both civil protection and agricultural production, areas in which NEUROPUBLIC is leading the way with its gaiasense smart farming system and the agro-meteorological stations it has installed throughout the country – the most extensive network in Greece. Thus, gaiasense was in the spotlight as the most comprehensive and reliable solution for the urgent upgrade and transformation of agri-food, public and local government.

At the same time, the TIF was also an opportunity for the first presentation of the Smart Weather by gaiasense weather forecasting platform that leverages the gaiasense network of stations to provide accurate and timely information on weather conditions in the country.

The agrometeorological station of the gaiasense system at the NEUROPUBLIC stand at the “Smart City” pavilion of the Ministry of Digital Governance

 

At the same time, NEUROPUBLIC’s participation at Booth 12, in the “Smart City” organized by the Ministry of Digital Governance, an initiative that attracted the intense interest of a significant number of visitors from a wide range of stakeholders, was also significant. In fact, the NEUROPUBLIC booth where a fully functional agrometeorological station gaiasense was set up highlighted the potential of the services that the company provides to the farmer and the citizen.

The Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Dimitris Papastergiou visited the NEUROPUBLIC stand and spoke with the company’s Marketing Director, Mr. Ioannis Michailidis, about the role of technology in the face of the great challenges of our times.

 

Concluding this year’s event, NEUROPUBLIC renewed its appointment with TIF 2024, proving that after 20 years of presence in the technological scene of Greece, it aims to continue to be at the forefront of developments for its green and digital transformation.

The “Smart City” initiative of the Ministry of Digital Governance at Booth 12 of the Thessaloniki International Fair attracted the public’s interest

NEUROPUBLIC supports for once more the Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture

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The Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture, organized for the 9th year by GAIA EPICHEIREIN, is in the finishing line, as the event-institution for the primary and wider agri-food sector of our country will take place on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the gaiasense HUB building in Piraeus, and will be broadcast online.

With the main theme “Greek agriculture towards 2030: winning the sustainability bet with the assistance of the CAP”, the 9th Congress will focus on strengthening the sustainability and resilience of European and Greek agriculture in the face of the major challenges of climate change and geopolitical shocks, but also on the need to produce more – and better – with less through the green and digital transition of the production process.

The 2030 milestone is particularly important in this direction, as it is a deadline for achieving the targets set by the farm-to-table and biodiversity strategies, as well as the EU’s climate target to reduce emissions within its borders by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels. Legislation serving these ambitious objectives, some of which is already underway, is foreseen to be gradually integrated into the CAP National Strategic Plans, radically changing the production profile of European and Greek agriculture.

In this context, the 9th Congress will be the starting point for an in-depth debate on the current global, EU and national climate-related challenges affecting the agricultural sector, the relevant CAP instruments, as well as national strategic options and best practices from EU Member States.

Ally, as always, in the effort for correct and responsible information of farmers, NEUROPUBLIC supports again the most important event for the information of the agricultural world and the promotion of dialogue for its future. Thus, the company is again this year a major sponsor of the 9th Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture.

In fact, NEUROPUBLIC’s Executive Director, Ioannis Mavroudis, will speak on innovative consulting services for the green and digital transition of the agri-food sector. At the “heart” of his speech will be, of course, the gaiasense smart farming system that brings high technology to every field and helps farmers to improve their production both quantitatively and qualitatively, reduce environmental impact and, ultimately, create added value in their products.

The Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture will also be broadcast live via a digital platform, which you can register for free using the following link: 9th Panhellenic Congress for the Development of Greek Agriculture (eventora.com)

 

 

Now, green aid is at the farmer’s fingertips with the gaiasense app!

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Climate change and environmental degradation are serious concernσ for the EU and the new CAP 2023-2027, which has set specific “green” targets.

In this context, it proposes a new support scheme for producers, the “Eco-schemes”, which will replace the “greening” scheme known from the previous programming period.

 

What are the Ecological Programmes

In order to receive extra “green” support, a producer must apply environmentally and climate-friendly practices on his/her field. These practices are specific and are described in the national CAP Strategic Plan and the relevant Ministerial Decisions as “Eco-Programmes”. Each producer has the possibility to choose among the available practices – Eco-Programmes in order to be eligible for this additional “green” support.

By selecting the gaiasense app when submitting his/her declaration for the EAE to the APCs cooperating with GAIA EPICHEIREIN, the producer:

  • They take the first mandatory step to securely join the Eco-Scheme 6 by acquiring an easy-to-use and reliable digital application for the use of which they receive a subsidy.
  • It also secures the second mandatory step for its eligibility for Eco-Scheme 6, as it gains the possibility to have the required Environmental Management Plan (EMP) prepared by a qualified agricultural consultant. And that is why it is subsidised!
  • It creates the conditions to easily and successfully integrate and implement at least one (1) and up to two (2) practices/actions in the field for which significant support is foreseen.
  • Gain access to additional useful digital services for their crops, i.e. beyond those necessary for their eligibility/subsidy under the Ecological Scheme 6 (weather forecast, satellite imagery, water indicators, spray suitability, etc.). For all, it has ongoing technical support from an experienced team.
  • They have a digital application in their hands, which opens the door for other CAP 2023-2027 schemes/measures, such as, for example, agricultural advice, which now foresee the use of such digital applications.

So, thanks to the gaiasense app, every producer gets:

  • A calendar of cultivation work that helps them to record in detail all the work in the field, for each plot separately, through the mobile phone. This way, they have all the tasks at his disposal immediately, at any time, while they get a complete picture of their cultivation and make better decisions for their production.
  • Daily information on the development of each crop. So, they don’t have to go to the field all the time and that way they save time and money.
  • Quick checkup in the field, from a distance, to see if something is not going well and intervene accordingly.
  • Information on when it is the right time to spray and water crops. This avoids unnecessary waste of water and pesticides.
  • Five-day weather forecast, specific to the area where each field is located, and warnings of extreme weather events 48 hours before they occur.

And they win:

  • Reducing the use of pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation water.
  • Addressing crop risks more effectively.
  • Improving production both quantitatively and qualitatively. This adds value to agricultural products and makes them more competitive.
  • ” Greening ” their production in order to comply with the requirements of the new CAP.
  • Significantly reducing production costs.

 

Learn more about the Eco-Scheme 6, HERE

The heatwave, as “seen” by NEUROPUBLIC’s gaiasense

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Heat wave conditions (CLEON heat wave) will prevail from Wednesday (12.07.2023). In more detail:

On Wednesday 12.07.2023 the temperature will reach:

  • in the Northern Continental region 39 oC.
  • In Central Greece 38 oC, in Thessaly 41 oC, while in the rest of the continental regions it will not exceed 35 oC.
  • In the island regions the maximum temperatures will reach 33 – 35 oC.

 

On Thursday 13.07.2023 the temperature will rise further:

  • In the northern continental areas the temperature will reach 38oC while in many areas of Central Macedonia it will reach 40oC.
  • In Thessaly the maximum temperature will reach 41oC, in Central Greece 38 – 40oC, while in the rest of the continental regions 38oC.
  • In the island regions the maximum temperature will reach 33 – 35 oC. (In the Dodecanese and South Crete 2 degrees higher).

 

On Friday 14.07.2023 there will be a peak of the phenomenon:

  • In Central Macedonia maximum temperatures will reach 41 – 42 oC. In the rest of the northern continental regions the maximum temperature will reach 38 – 39 oC.
  • In Thessaly the maximum temperature will reach 43 – 44 oC, in Central Greece 41 – 42 oC.
  • In Attica the temperature will reach 41 oC, while in the rest of the continental regions the maximum temperature will reach 38 – 40 oC.
  • In the island regions the maximum temperature will reach 34 – 37 oC (in the Dodecanese and South Crete 1 – 2 degrees higher).

 

On Saturday 15.07.2023:

  • In Central Macedonia maximum temperatures will reach 41 oC. In the rest of the northern continent the maximum temperature will reach 39 – 40oC.
  • In Thessaly the temperature will reach 43 oC, while in the Central region (including Attica) the maximum temperature will reach 40 – 42 oC. In the Peloponnese, maximum temperatures will reach 39 – 41 oC.
  • In the rest of the continent maximum temperatures will reach 39 – 41 oC.
  • In the island regions maximum temperatures will reach 38 – 39 oC.

 

On Sunday, 16.07.2023, there will be a slight weakening of the phenomenon. However, high temperatures will prevail until early next week.

Indicatively, the risk limits of the main crops from the effects of high temperatures are given:

Vine: Risk from heatwave at temperatures T >= 38°C

Cotton: Risk from heatwave at temperatures T >= 34°C

Apricot: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 38°C

Tobacco: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 42°C

Walnut: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 36°C

Peach tree: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 38°C

Tomato tree: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 30°C

Potato: Risk of heatwave at temperatures T >= 30°C

Average daily temperature in various regions of Greece during the next days

 

Irrigation recommendations for the heatwave

Irrigation during a heatwave is vital to ensure the health and survival of plants. Here are some tips to help you optimize your irrigation practices during a heatwave:

  1. Water deeply and infrequently: Instead of frequent light watering, provide deep watering to encourage plants to develop deep root systems. This allows them to access moisture from lower soil levels and become more resistant to heat stress. Deep watering also helps reduce water loss through evaporation.
  2. Water early in the morning or late in the evening: Watering during the cooler hours of the day minimizes evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture efficiently. Avoid watering during the hottest hours, as water can evaporate before plants can take advantage of it. In addition, water droplets on leaves can act as mirrors, concentrating sunlight in one spot, resulting in burns to the fruit and leaves.
  3. Use drip irrigation: This method of irrigation delivers water directly to the base of the plants, minimizing water loss through evaporation. Drip irrigation also ensures that water reaches the rootstock more efficiently, promoting effective water absorption.
  4. Monitor soil moisture: Regularly check the moisture levels in your soil to avoid over- or under-irrigation. Use a moisture meter to determine if the soil is at a sufficient moisture level and adjust your irrigation schedule accordingly.
  5. Give priority to water-sensitive plants: If you have a limited amount of irrigation water, prioritize watering high value plants or plants that are more sensitive to heat stress. This ensures their survival and minimizes potential losses.

 

Get detailed and accurate information about the weather in your area from

SmartWeather

Sustainable development of the national cotton sector through smart farming: Workshop on the future of the sector

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The technological developments that are coming at the service of the primary sector, as well as the benefits of smart farming especially for cotton production, were presented and discussed during a workshop on “Sustainable development of the national cotton sector: the contribution of smart farming” held on Wednesday, 31 May 2023.

The meeting was co-organized by NEUROPUBLIC and GAIA EPICHEIREIN at the newly built gaiasense HUB building in Piraeus, in cooperation with the President Antonis Siarkos and the members of the Panhellenic Union of Cotton Ginners and Exporters (PUCGE).

On the part of PUCGE, the meeting was attended not only by the President, Mr. Siarkos, but also by the Vice President of the Association, Mr. Prodromos Ousultzoglou and Mr. Euripides Dontas, Mr. Nikolaos and Charalambos Karagiorgos, Mr. Stamataios Kouroudis, Ms. Maria Pavlidou, Mr. Vasilios Petsas, Mr. Vasilios Polychronos, Mr. Klearhos Sarantidis and Mr. Georgios Siarkos.

The delegation of PUCGE initially met with the Board of Directors and the President of NEUROPUBLIC, Mr. Christodoulos Antoniadis and toured the company’s facilities in Piraeus, where they saw the excellent technological infrastructure and asked relevant questions to the specialized executives.

Afterwards, the members of PUCGE visited the ultra-modern gaiasense HUB, the second privately owned building of NEUROPUBLIC, where they were welcomed by the CEO of GAIA EPICHEIREIN, Elli Tsiforou. This was followed by a tour of the fully automated production line, the warehouse and NEUROPUBLIC’s second data center, while they were given the opportunity to talk to the agronomists of the integrated, innovative gaiasense by NEUROPUBLIC smart farming system and learn about the advanced technologies supported by the HUB.

Opening the meeting, President Antoniadis stressed that “the sustainable development of Greek agriculture is equivalent to the development of ambitious and visionary sectoral strategies, especially for sectors of national importance and significant export profile such as cotton. Technological innovation provides a guarantee of sustainability and a passport to the future development of the sector for the benefit of all: producers, ginners and the national economy”.

Shortly afterwards, Ms. Tsiforou took the floor, and spoke about the “Political and institutional framework for the sustainable development of the cotton sector”, noting that “the European Green Deal sets the tone for the way we will produce in the EU in the coming decades, with important legislative initiatives outside the CAP framework shaping the new, green and digital profile of European and Greek agriculture”.

Mr. Ioannis Mavroudis, founding member and Executive Director of NEUROPUBLIC, explained that the application of the gaiasense smart agriculture system has already significantly helped cotton farmers to reduce production costs and the environmental footprint of the production process.

“Effective fertilization, utilization of irrigation needs and targeted spraying, i.e. rational use of inputs, lead not only to the production of higher quality products but also to lower carbon footprint,” said Mr. Mavroudis, to conclude that “NEUROPUBLIC provides new digital tools that promote pro-environmental standards in cotton.”

In particular, to date, gaiasense has been applied to 28.490 hectares of cotton in 6 regions of the country and has proven to help reduce up to 14% in irrigation water costs per hectare and up to 28% in crop protection costs by avoiding unnecessary spraying. In addition, it can reduce fertilization costs by up to 33% per hectare. A path is therefore opening up for a sustainable digital passport for cotton products with high added value for all stakeholders in the sector.

The workshop concluded with statements by representatives of the Union and a discussion on the need to formulate a sectoral strategy in relation to the digital transition of the cotton sector, a bet for the sustainable future development of our national product.