- Innovate UK support: Minimal Financial Assistance
Case study: Using AI and satellite data to strengthen Welsh food supply chains
Data Dynamics Ltd is exploring how artificial intelligence tools could help farmers and food businesses better understand crop performance, reduce waste and plan more effectively. Supported by Innovate UK, the company is undertaking an early-stage feasibility study in partnership with Castell Howell Foods to investigate the potential of an AI-powered crop yield forecasting system designed to improve supply chain resilience across Wales.
The Welsh food and drink sector plays a vital role in rural economies, yet agricultural supply chains are increasingly challenged by unpredictable weather, variable yields and rising costs. For food wholesalers and growers alike, inaccurate forecasts can lead to wasted crops, missed sales and financial uncertainty. Data Dynamics' Innovate UK-supported feasibility study addresses this challenge by exploring whether earlier, more accurate insight into what will be harvested, where and when, can be delivered at a practical scale.
The proposed approach integrates multiple data sources to deliver comprehensive yield forecasts throughout the growing season. High-resolution satellite imagery would be used to monitor crop development at field level, while advanced phenological models could track how crops respond to local soil and weather conditions. Machine learning algorithms would analyse this information alongside historical yield data to generate reliable predictions for key vegetable and arable crops.
Working initially with Welsh growers supplying Castell Howell Foods, the feasibility work is being scoped around crops including carrots and broccoli. By understanding not only what crops are being grown, but where they are planted and how they develop over time, the technology could predict both expected yields and optimal harvest windows. This would allow wholesalers to plan procurement more accurately and enable growers to make better-informed management decisions.
A key strength of the proposed approach is accessibility. The system is conceived to benefit farms of all sizes, with monitoring carried out remotely via satellite rather than requiring expensive on-farm sensors or equipment. If proven feasible, growers would be able to access insights through a web browser or mobile application, making the technology practical for everyday use in the field or office.
Innovate UK support is enabling Data Dynamics to assess the technical and commercial viability of the core technology in real-world conditions, working closely with growers to understand what outputs would be relevant and actionable. If successful, the approach could help reduce uncertainty and improve coordination across the supply chain, supporting reduced food waste, more stable pricing and stronger relationships between producers and distributors.
Through this feasibility work, Data Dynamics Ltd is investigating how artificial intelligence and earth observation could be applied in practical ways to support Welsh agriculture. The project highlights the potential role of data-driven innovation in building a more efficient, resilient and sustainable food system for Wales.
