Are you a student or young farmer in Europe or Africa with an idea for using satellite technology in agriculture to improve production and efficiency and reduce environmental impact?

If so, register your idea for the €13,000 Farming by Satellite Prize. The prize is an initiative of the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and is aimed at promoting the use of satellite navigation in agriculture and its benefits to end users. Registrations must be received by 28 February 2014.

“We are looking for imaginative solutions that employ free satellite technology that can help all the world’s farmers,” says Gian-Gherardo Calini, Head of Market Development, GSA.

The competition is open to all students and young people under the age of 32 studying or resident in an EU Member State or Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Israel, Lichtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey. This year, entries from African countries will also be accepted, with a special prize for ideas and applications relating to farming by satellite in African regions.

Entrants may participate as either individuals or as a team. Entries must include case studies of trials or new ideas and innovations, with a particular interest in those that rely on European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and the forthcoming Galileo system. Although the deadline for submitting entries and supporting references is 14 April 2014, all those who plan to participate must register their intent by 28 February 2014. Registration and details on entry requirements can be found at www.farmingbysatellite.eu.

Shortlisted entries will be invited to present their ideas in Prague (location of the European GNSS Agency), with the winners being announced during the International Space Solutions Conference in June.