Pioneering Precision Agriculture: Micrea & AGR Smart Tech's Game-Changer for Sustainable Farming

 As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the need for farming practices that are efficient, sustainable, and innovative. Precision agriculture is stepping up to meet these challenges by using cutting-edge technology to boost crop yields, reduce environmental impact, and improve farm productivity. Farmers today face a range of difficulties, from soil degradation to the growing threat of climate change and water shortages. We need a fresh approach—one that makes the most of resources, cuts waste, and prioritizes the health of both crops and the environment.

We’re proud to share that Micrea has teamed up with AGR Smart Tech to launch the Agri-Energy Integration project. This initiative, funded under the Scaling Out For Impact -2 (SOFI 2) programme, is a joint UK-South Africa effort. Supported by Innovate UK and the South Africa Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the project is focused on developing innovative solutions to tackle the pressing issues around food, energy, and water.

• Dual-Use Grass Cultivation: We’re tapping into the potential of high-yield, drought-resistant grasses like Bana grass and Moringa oleifera. These grasses are perfect for producing biofuel and protein, making them a sustainable choice for both renewable energy and protein-rich animal feed.
• Microwave-Assisted Biomass Conversion: At the core of our project is our microwave-assisted biomass conversion technology. This technology efficiently transforms these grasses into renewable biofuels and protein concentrates, with the exciting possibility of expanding into protein production for human consumption.
• Soil Sensor Optimization: We’re using advanced soil sensors to monitor and optimize growing conditions. This ensures that the grasses thrive in the best possible conditions, boosting both yields and sustainability through precision agriculture.

We’re excited to announce that the project is officially underway, with 10 hectares of land in South Africa now secured for grass cultivation. Our partner, Caroline Matenchi of AGR Smart Tech, has been instrumental in securing this land, which will support large-scale cultivation of Bana grass and Moringa oleifera. This is a huge milestone in our journey toward creating a scalable and sustainable system for renewable biofuels and animal feed production.

The Agri-Energy Integration project goes far beyond farming. By promoting the cultivation of high-biomass grasses, we’re contributing to climate change mitigation. These grasses help capture and store carbon in the soil, while the biofuels we produce will replace fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the shift to a low-carbon economy.

This project reflects Micrea’s deep commitment to sustainable innovation. By combining our expertise in microwave-assisted technologies with AGR Smart Tech’s agricultural know-how, we’re driving forward a project that could change the game for bioenergy and protein production.

We’re excited to see where this partnership takes us—not just in renewable energy and sustainable farming, but in finding new solutions to global challenges.

We’ll keep you updated as we continue to expand the project and explore new opportunities. At Micrea, we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in precision agriculture and renewable energy.

For more information about this project and our other innovations, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can build a future where renewable energy and sustainable farming lead the way to meaningful change