Using predictive models to support Niagara wine growers

Three graduating engineering students turn their Problem Pitch idea into budding startup. By Michelle Benevides Concept by Velocity - Pests and diseases are one of the top issues facing farming today. Using pesticides is a major recurring expense but is necessary to maintain economically viable yields and healthy crops. Every year, 20 to 40 per cent of global crop yield is lost due to plant pests and disease. A loss that cost the global economy around $290 billion annually, according to the United Nations. "Currently, farmers use blanket spraying over entire fields at predefined dates on a calendar. A typical vineyard will spend over $1,000 per acre of land annually on pesticide applications.