Investment in digital agriculture: Munich-based BayWa AG acquires a 51 percent majority stake in Vista GmbH.
Based on satellite data, Vista, based in Munich, creates forecasts of nutrient and water requirements and harvest predictions for research and commercial applications. BayWa has been working with Vista since 2008 through its subsidiary FarmFacts.
BayWa aims to increase yields with digital farming
Klaus Josef Lutz, CEO of BayWa, explains the background to the deal:
“Satellite data combined with intelligent algorithms offer effective approaches to implement digital farming more quickly and across the board.”
Dr. Heike Bach, Managing Director of Vista GmbH, says:
"Our goal is to create even more attractive solutions for our customers that make a tangible contribution to value creation and resource conservation. For us, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand."
The agricultural and energy group already uses Vista solutions: Through the combined use of satellite, soil, and weather data, farms are expected to be able to improve yield per acre and save resources. Vista currently employs 17 people.
The large company has already set an example in the past for innovative solutions. Together with RWA, the Munich-based company is supporting Agro Innovation Labs Agricultural startups. BayWa is also just a few months ago acquired a minority stake in the Californian startup Abundant Robotics, which develops automated harvesting systems for orchards.
