How can space technology transform the food value chain in response to the growing challenges of climate change?

On the 12^th of February 2025 LUNZ Hub co-lead Professor Heiko Balzter attended the Food and Land Use Summit. Organised by KNOWNET—a collaboration between the University of Leicester, Leicester City Council, and Leicestershire County Council—the event sought to map and enhance the region’s food value chain while fostering a collaborative approach to achieving net zero and restoring nature. Bringing together key stakeholders, including local authorities, businesses, researchers, and community organisations, the symposium provided a platform to share knowledge and identify practical solutions to enhance food system resilience. In an interview with the University of Leicester in the run up to the Summit, Professor Balzter shared his thoughts on how space technology can transform the food value chain in response to the growing challenges of climate change.

As climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming practices, integrating space technology into food systems is no longer a futuristic vision—it is an essential tool for resilience. In his interview, Professor Balzter outlined how satellite technology is playing a crucial role in monitoring land use changes, tracking deforestation, and optimising agricultural sustainability. Satellites provide near-real-time insights into crop health, pest detection, irrigation needs, and supply chain vulnerabilities due to climate change. By leveraging technologies such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and multispectral imagery, farmers can make data-driven decisions to improve yields while reducing environmental impact. The interview also emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing these innovations. By connecting researchers, businesses, and policymakers, universities can help translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions. Institutions like Space Park Leicester’s Business Incubation Centre and funding bodies like Innovate UK play a key role in supporting start-ups that apply space technology to food sustainability.

Click here to read the interview with Professor Heiko Balzter in full