EnTrade app eases cover crop verification for farmers

Catchment services market platform EnTrade has launched an app to make it easier for farmers to participate in trades which benefit the environment.

Wessex Water-owned EnTrade facilitates efficient catchment spending between buyers of environmental measures, such as water companies, and sellers such as farmers and landowners.

Buyers pay sellers over the platform to take actions such as growing cover crops that reduce environmental impacts like reducing excess nutrients entering nearby watercourses.

The free app enables farmers to upload pictures and details of their crops direct from the field via their smartphone. Once submitted, machine learning technology automatically identifies and confirms the crop and its location fulfilling the commitment.

EnTrade’s managing director, Guy Thompson (pictured), said: “Our whole business model is designed around making it financially viable, supportive and easier for farmers to deliver more for the environment. The launch of our app will help us to make even bigger strides in this direction.

“Through our engagement with farmers, we understand that they want to maximise their environmental contributions, while still producing quality food. However, we also recognise their extremely busy workloads and long hours. Our app allows farmers to verify their cover crops instantly, meaning they can get on with their day without creating extra administrative work.”