MARS data for the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy

MARS STAT (Monitoring Agricultures with Remote Sensing Techniques) indicated a probable decrease in production of European crop yield due to July heat waves and dry conditions. Part of the AGRIFISH Unit of the Joint Research Centre, MARS activities are not limited to crop forecasting, they also include the enforcement of  antifraud initiatives. MARS satellite images enable to monitor if a farmer, having received subsidies, complies with his commitment not to plant crops in order for natural habitat to take root.