We apply satellite data solutions to the most pressing challenges facing U.S. agriculture.

NASA Acres Consortium is NASA’s U.S. focused agriculture and food security program element established in March 2023. NASA Acres focuses on applying satellite Earth observation (EO) information to the most pressing agricultural and food security challenges facing U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agrifood system stakeholders. NASA Acres works with people across the agriculture sector to develop EO-based data and tools that strengthen U.S. agriculture.

NASA Acres horizontal logo

What is NASA Acres?

NASA Acres is commissioned under NASA’s Applied Sciences Program and led by the University of Maryland. The consortium approach brings together public and private sectors, and allows for flexible partnerships and rapid action in delivering the benefits of NASA data and tools to U.S. agriculture decision makers.

What do we do?

NASA Acres has several objectives that drive consortium research and activities, including:

  • Support a deeper understanding of U.S. agricultural land use, productivity, and sustainability

  • Develop and transition on-farm decision support tools for smart agronomy

  • Strengthen environmental and human resilience to climate change and global hazards

  • Increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in agtech, and through NASA Acres work

Check out our recent interviews with Dr. Karen St. Germain, NASA’s Director of Earth Science

Part 1 | NASA Technology Provides Insights From Space to Farm

Discover how NASA is bringing the value of satellite Earth observations to farmers in Part 1 of a two-part video series with Dr. Karen St. Germain, Director of NASA’s Earth Science Division. In this video, you will gain a deeper understanding of how NASA technology is advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability, and the important role that NASA Acres is playing in this effort.

Part 2 | Exploring Career Paths in Space and Earth Sciences

In Part 2 of this two-part video series, Dr. Karen St. Germain reflects on her personal journey from budding scientist to the Director of NASA’s Earth Science Division. Germain offers insights and advice for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the dynamic field of Earth science and its intersection with agriculture.