Quick fact of life: we humans depend on food. Not just for nourishment to stay alive, but for our livelihoods, as well.
Our agri-food systems, however, are flawed. Oct. 16 is World Food Day, an international campaign organized by FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, to promote global awareness and action to prevent hunger and create more sustainable systems. As the tagline says: “The future of food is in our hands. … Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.”
Here are a few more facts: Agri-food systems employ about 1 billion people worldwide, according to FAO. But the way we produce, consume and waste food takes a huge toll on the planet. Current practices are depleting natural resources, destroying natural habitats and contributing to climate change. Not to mention: 3 billion people – about 40% of the global population, according to FAO – can’t afford healthy diets. With populations on the rise, FAO estimates we’ll need sustainable agri-food systems that can feed and nourish 10 billion people by 2050. Big problems call for bold solutions, and that’s what World Food Day is all about.
Last month, the UN Secretary General convened the first Food Systems Summit “to forge consensus on bold new actions to transform the way the world produces and consumes food, with an aim to get back on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” In support of the SDGs, Dassault Systèmes has committed to reducing net-zero emissions by 2040. Our approach includes reducing company-wide and value chain emissions and leveraging the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to support industrial firms and startups to develop carbon removal projects.
Just about every week we publish stories of customers using Dassault Systèmes technology to collaborate, design and create products that shape our world. This special World Food Day edition features customers from around the world for whom our solutions provide value and are advancing agri-food systems.
Maschio Gaspardo
When Mirco Maschio’s father founded Maschio Gaspardo in 1964, his objective was simple: to develop and provide mechanical solutions that helped farmers do the job. Today, the Italian manufacturer’s mission is the same, except maybe a bit more complex.
“Our customers expect us to provide them with precision farming solutions by way of innovative equipment that we deliver fast without compromising on quality,” explains Mirco Maschio, the company’s president. “To meet these challenges, we need to transform our business and improve collaboration among design, sourcing, production and service teams.”
With headquarters in Italy and subsidiaries and sales distribution centers in Europe and Asia, Maschio Gaspardo has a global presence. Using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the company is able to share information across departments and locations. They’re also able to create virtual twins of machines, which reduces wastes and costs associated with physical prototypes. One example is the Chrono, a high-speed planter that can double farmers’ productivity.
Learn more about how Maschio Gaspardo is providing precision farming solutions for farmers around the world.
CLAAS
Claas Group is a world leading agricultural equipment manufacturer whose combines, forage harvesters, balers and tractors are renowened for their technology and quality. Along with an extensive product line, CLAAS is passionate about research, development and customer service. That means the company creates and manages significant amounts of complex data across various locations. And that’s where the 3DEXPERIENCE platform comes in.
“It’s our strategic platform for everything we do in engineering and digitalization – starting from ideation to production to service,” says Nico Michels, head of digital product engineering at CLAAS.
Designers from India to Germany can work on the same component, because they all share access to the same database. The platform helps build and maintain better products, too. Using modeling and simulation technology, they’re able to play out operator movements and service scenarios, creating for a more ergonomic and efficient design. And, since they can store design data for every machine, they’re able to provide additional features for customers without having to develop new machines.
Agreenculture
A French company supported by the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab, Agreenculture is part of the budding agroecology sector. The startup designs, develops and produces autonomous solutions for the agricultural world. Combining versatile robots with advanced satellite guidance, Agreenculture develops precision tools for food producers. One example is the CEOL, an autonomous agricultural robot able to automate repetitive tasks, carry or tow a range of equipment and accomplish in an hour what would take a full eight-hour shift for a farmer driving a tractor.
More reading
- Recipe for success: How global taste and nutrition company Kerry Group is reformulating products to meet growing demand for healthier, more sustainable offerings.
- Millions of packages made of Metsä Board’s paperboard are delivered every day. Here’s how the company is developing more sustainable solutions while keeping up with insatiable demand.
- Food safety: How a platform that preserves data integrity helps food processors and producers comply with new health regulations.
- 3DS commitment: Learn more about our commitment to reducing company-wide and value chain emissions … and how virtual twins play a role in combating climate change.
