The covered agriculture industry claims to offer higher food security in the face of challenging weather conditions. By protecting crops against extreme heat, cold, rainfall, and pests, it provides a solution to the vulnerabilities of traditional farming methods. However, the energy costs associated with heating greenhouses have been a drawback for growers. Source.ag, an AI platform, aims to address this issue by enabling more efficient operation of greenhouses, allowing growers to operate more acres in various locations. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the global adoption of greenhouse agriculture.
Established in 2020 by Rien Kamman (CEO) and Ernst van Bruggen (CPO), Source.ag has assembled a team of experienced engineers and plant scientists. Through partnerships with leading growers worldwide, the company has developed the sector’s most advanced artificial intelligence. Their proprietary algorithms simulate plant behavior, taking into account millions of data points on climate, biology, and resources. These algorithms enable the platform to define and execute optimal cultivation strategies, providing growers with real-time and highly tailored advice on how to maximize their crop yields.
The Netherlands is widely recognized as the global epicenter of greenhouse agriculture expertise. With 12,000 acres of high-tech greenhouses, it is one of the largest and most advanced food production hubs in the world. Despite its small size, the country is a major exporter of agricultural goods, second only to the US in terms of value. The Netherlands’ success in advanced agricultural technology has facilitated its ability to provide fresh produce to a significant portion of the European market.
According to Rien Kamman, Source.ag’s CEO and co-founder, their technology aims to empower growers and support their success in operating greenhouse facilities. By pioneering innovative tech solutions, Source.ag strives to make greenhouse agriculture accessible, profitable, and globally scalable. Their mission is to provide nutritious food to more people while utilizing fewer resources.
Kamman also highlighted the potential of AI to address energy costs in greenhouse agriculture. He noted that the industry is already transitioning toward sustainable energy sources like geothermal for heating purposes. AI can play a pivotal role in optimizing energy use, enabling greenhouses to operate more efficiently. By empowering growers to make informed decisions about energy consumption, AI can enhance the industry’s overall efficiency and reduce input requirements while increasing crop yields.
Earlier this year, Source.ag announced the successful closure of a $23 million Series A funding round. Now, the company has secured additional investment of around $4 million. These funds will be utilized to accelerate product development, with the introduction of new AI products on the horizon. By leveraging digital twin technology and simulating plant biology, Source.ag’s AI can predict resource usage and yield for all weeks. This enables farmers and cultivators to make well-informed decisions tailored to their specific cultivars, maximizing their crop yields. The company also plans to expand its AI model to support various crop types and farming methods.
The endorsement of SK networks, one of Source.ag’s backers, highlights the company’s position as a prominent player in the Netherlands’ smart farming sector. As a startup with a scalable SaaS model, Source.ag holds immense potential for successful expansion into the global market. Kamman expressed pride in partnering with Dutch master growers to create an AI platform that empowers growers worldwide. The recent $4 million investment will further support the development and market launch of groundbreaking products to benefit growers globally.
