Appendix A. Geographical and temporal coverage
The Questel Orbit Intelligence database has worldwide geographical coverage. The Agrifood dataset covers patent families with an earliest priority date in the last 20 years (2004–2023). Most of the analysis in this report has been conducted using international patent families (a patent family that is filed and published in two or more jurisdictions). Due to the standard 18-month delay between earliest priority date and publication, and the additional delay for an international patent family to be formed (i.e. publication of the patent family in two or more jurisdictions), the dataset built in April 2024 wil be incomplete for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Appendix B. Search query and dataset construction
B.1 AgriTech domain
Automation
Automation in agriculture refers to IT-related methods helping farmers to make data-driven decisions by providing real-time information on crop conditions, weather patterns and other factors that affect crop growth and yield.
On one hand it includes automated processes for precision in various farming processes, reducing dependency on manual labor and potential errors. Tasks such as planting, irrigation and harvesting are automated, allowing for precise execution and consistent results. This not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy of operations.
On the other hand, it also includes smart farming, which is built upon the foundation of interconnected devices and IoT sensors that synergize to usher in a transformational change in how farms are managed and operated.
Carbon farming
Carbon farming (also known as carbon sequestration) is a system of agricultural management that helps the land store more carbon and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that it releases into the atmosphere.
Sustainable forest management practices do similar good by minimizing greenhouse gases and accumulating carbon dioxide in wood. Tribal Nations can do this is a number of different ways. For example, Indian agriculture producers can manage their grazing lands to conserve and restore vegetation, including tree cover along waterways. This practice helps the land store carbon and remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, as well as provides benefits to nearby water sources. Landowners can also implement fertilizer reduction strategies, such as applying compost or biochar (charcoal used as a soil additive to improve crop yield), that reduce the amount of greenhouse gases tied up in vegetation. Healthy forests absorb and hold carbon dioxide emissions produced from other sources and are an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) sequestration.
Carbon offsets can be created through a variety of strategies, including:
avoided deforestation and permanent land conservation
reforestation and replanting activities
improved forest management and stewardship in working forests where harvesting occurs.
Improved forest management focuses on long-term, sustainable practices to ensure that forests continue to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, since deforestation accounts for between 15 and 20 percent of the global increase in GHG levels. Activities include thinning out, selective harvest, regeneration and planting, and fertilization to enable productive and sustainable forest growth. Similar to forestry, native grasses and other vegetation provide a natural source of GHG absorption and sequestration. Carbon offsets from this category focus on maintaining native plant life through permanent land conservation and avoiding conversion for commercial development or intensive agriculture.
Compliance/trackability
Compliance/trackability refers to the ability to trace and track products or processes within the agricultural supply chain to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Connectivity/sensors/smart farming
Connectivity/sensors/smart farming is built upon the foundation of interconnected devices and IoT sensors that synergize to usher in a transformational change in how farms are managed and operated. Sensors can be used to:
monitor mechanical and agricultural assets
leverage data to improve crop yields
improve sustainable resource management and environmental footprint
track and contain disease/blight outbreaks
reduce operating costs and per-unit costs
decrease human exposure to pesticides and agrichemicals
make more informed decisions during unforeseen events
strengthen the supply chain by allowing true producer-to-consumer marketplaces.
Crop adaptation and genetics
Crop adaptation and genetics supports the heightened production of nutritional food and the reduction of crop losses imposed by extreme events like droughts, high temperatures, floods, diseases and pests.
Induced genetic variation is important for crop improvement, especially in instances where there is limited variation in existing germplasm pools to achieve desired levels of crop performance, and where techniques such as hybridization cannot be easily applied. Its application becomes further significant as the dual threats of population growth and climate change increasingly challenge global food and nutrition security. Higher production of nutritional food and reduction of crop losses imposed by extreme events like droughts, high temperatures, floods, diseases and pests call for induced novel genetic variation.
While recent breakthroughs in whole genome-based mutation detection technologies increase the efficiency and precision of breeding in all crops, in vitro techniques coupled with mutagenesis broaden the genetic base of vegetative and horticultural tree crops and reduce their breeding cycles.
Planting/harvesting/storage
The Planting/harvesting/storage segment relates to agricultural processes and machineries dedicated to crop management.
Education and training
Education and training is the instruction, teaching and training surrounding agriculture as well as the management of land and natural resources.
Agricultural education teaches students and aspiring farmers about farming, food production, plant sciences, biology, animal care, sustainable use of natural resources, and more. It will typically also include training in leadership, farm safety and agribusiness leadership. It may be available for K-12 students, college and graduate students, working farmers and other agribusiness professionals.
Economic management/whole farm management software
Economic management/whole farm management software is designed to automate various farm activities, including record management, data storage, monitoring and analyzing farming activities. It also helps in streamlining production and work schedules.
Each farm has specific requirements, which is why the software is customized to meet individual needs. Farming is a specialized activity, so it is crucial to choose the right software for your farm. It is essential to forecast and measure profits, as farming is now considered a serious business. Keeping track of expenses and farm activities is important for efficiency and productivity.
Farm management software includes features to track financial activities and improve overall management. In addition, the software allows farmers to develop crop plans by providing a comprehensive view of the farm. By collecting, analyzing and generating reports, farmers can make informed decisions on crop rotation, pest control methods and fertilizer applications.
The software also helps in tracking and measuring field activities by assisting farm employees in keeping relevant information for farm managers to oversee. It enables farmers to track yields and identify successful crops for better planning throughout different seasons. Moreover, the software helps in managing risk portfolios by studying past field performance to make informed investment decisions. It also helps in understanding input costs, projected yields and sale prices.
Modern farmers face external risks such as erratic weather conditions, diseases, pests and unpredictable market demands. An effective farm management software alerts farmers to potential risks and helps them make decisions on how to address these challenges.
Investment/exchange platform
Investment/exchange platform is a type of financial service that provides opportunities for investors to support sustainable farming practices, agribusinesses or agricultural technologies. Investors can typically browse through different projects, select ones that align with their investment goals, and contribute funds towards the development and growth of the chosen projects.
Livestock management
Livestock management involves the management of farm animals and supervision of farm workers. Livestock management is a complex and multifaceted task that requires a deep understanding of animal science, animal husbandry and sound business practices. In addition to these skills, many livestock managers are also responsible for maintaining detailed financial records for their operations.
Depending on the size of the farm, managers may also be involved in physical tasks such as operating machinery and tending to the livestock directly. Successful dairy farms, cattle ranches, swine operations and poultry farms all rely on effective livestock management to thrive and turn a profit. Livestock managers must consider a wide range of factors when caring for their herds, including animal health, nutrition, reproduction, grazing, hay and forage management, fencing and more.
Staying abreast of market requirements and fluctuations is crucial, as it impacts the optimal times to market livestock. Adhering to industry best practices helps managers make informed decisions about the care techniques that will yield the best results for their livestock. For instance, the demand for grass-fed beef is on the rise, outpacing the demand for grain-fed beef.
Many livestock managers utilize specialized agricultural software to streamline their operations and keep detailed records of all activities related to their livestock, such as feeding, tagging, breeding and treatments. This software also helps with scheduling and budgeting, providing valuable information to farm staff, animal nutritionists and veterinarians. Ear tagging allows for individual tracking of each animal, particularly in larger operations involving cattle, swine and sheep.
In light of increasing concerns about the sustainability and ethical treatment of animals in livestock operations, managers are facing mounting pressure to adopt more sustainable and humane practices. While livestock production is a vital source of livelihood for millions of farmers worldwide, consumers are becoming more conscious of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock and are demanding more humanely raised, free-range meats and eggs over products from intensive factory farming operations.
Mapping/imagery
Mapping/imagery services refer to the use of aerial or satellite imagery to gather data and create detailed maps of agricultural fields. These maps can provide valuable information about the health, size and composition of crops, as well as identify areas of stress or disease. By analyzing this data, farmers can make more informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization and pest control, ultimately leading to improved crop yields and more sustainable farming practices.
Pest/disease management
Pest/disease management through chemical pesticides, and biocontrol methods: this supports environmentally friendly approaches involving the introduction of natural enemies, such as predators, parasites or pathogens, to control the population of harmful organisms.
Precision agriculture
Precision agriculture encompasses auto steer, wireless telematics, variable rate technology, indoor agriculture, remote sensing and data collection as well as predictive yield analytics and monitoring.
Robotics and drones
Robotics and drones automate slow, repetitive and dull tasks for farmers, allowing them to focus more on improving overall production yields. Robots are widely utilized in agriculture for various tasks such as harvesting and picking, weed control, autonomous mowing, pruning, seeding, spraying, thinning, phenotyping, sorting, packing and utility platforms.
Among these tasks, harvesting and picking stand out as one of the most common robotic applications in agriculture. This is primarily because robots can achieve high levels of accuracy and speed, leading to improved yield sizes and reduced crop waste left in the field.
Harvesting and picking robots play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.
Soil and fertilizer management
Soil and fertilizer management refers to solutions improving the health and fertility of soil, including crop rotation, cover cropping, organic fertilizers, with minimized use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Waste management
Waste management refers to solutions that minimize negative environmental impacts and promote resource conservation. It includes composting and recycling of crop residues, animal manure and agricultural chemicals.
Water management
Water management embodies installations for producing fresh water, the treatment of water, wastewater, sewage or sludge, but also technics to improve land water use or availability as well as to control erosion.
B.2 FoodTech domain
Consumer technology
Consumer technology includes kitchen equipment for personal use, and services, apps and devices that help users identify and access the best foods, along with providing background information such as recipes, nutrigenomics and food discovery.
Delivery services
Delivery services are continually evolving to offer convenient options for ordering and delivering groceries and ready-to-eat meals to consumers or businesses, utilizing e-commerce, quick commerce (q-commerce) and delivery robotics.
Food technology
Food technology encompasses equipment and processes for food production, excluding waste management, animal feed and consumer technology.
Food chemistry
Food chemistry involves the development of new ingredients and food products, such as alternative proteins, functional foods, beverages and ready-to-eat meals.
Food services
Food services are revolutionizing the hospitality industry by incorporating smart equipment and technologies like robotics and cloud kitchens.
Supply chain
Supply chain solutions are being developed to optimize the food supply chain and food retail industry, with a focus on packaging, traceability and food waste management.
B.3 Case studies
Non-pesticide pest and disease management
Non-pesticide pest and disease management focuses on alternative solutions to traditional pesticides, such as incorporating beneficial microbes into fertilizer formulations for biocontrol.
Alternative nutrient sources for human food
Alternative nutrient sources for human consumption address the development and promotion of new nutritional options, such as cultured meat and plant-based proteins, to meet the challenges of population growth and resource limitations.
Predictive models in precision agriculture
Predictive models in precision agriculture involve developing AI-driven software to help farmers forecast market demands and optimize planting and irrigation plans, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of agricultural production.
Autonomous devices in precision agriculture
Autonomous devices in precision agriculture explore the application of autonomous machinery and robotics technology to enhance efficiency in crop planting, management, and harvesting.
