NASA Acres &

Farmer Innovation Advancement Team

The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with NASA Acres, aimed at harnessing cutting-edge agricultural technology and space-based insights to enhance farming practices across the United States. This collaborative initiative unites the expertise of NASA scientists with the on-the-ground experience of local producers, facilitated through the formation of the Farmer Innovation Advancement Team (FIAT).

About the Partnership

NASA Acres, an innovative research initiative from NASA focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability through advanced remote sensing technologies, selected SARA as a key partner to bridge the gap between research and real-world agricultural practices. Together, we aim to leverage the latest advancements in satellite data analysis, precision agriculture, and sustainable resource management.

Importantly, the valuable data provided by NASA is taxpayer-funded; thus, farmers and ranchers should not incur additional costs to access or utilize this information. Ensuring free and open access to NASA's data is a cornerstone of this partnership.

Farmer Innovation Advancement Team (FIAT)

At the heart of this partnership is FIAT—a carefully selected group of forward-thinking farmers and ranchers from across the nation. FIAT members play a pivotal role in guiding research direction, testing innovative technologies, and ensuring that advancements are practical, cost-effective, and beneficial at the farm level.

Objectives & Outcomes

This collaboration seeks to:

  • Identify critical gaps in current agricultural practices and develop targeted research to address these challenges.

  • Utilize NASA’s advanced satellite imagery and data analytics to enhance decision-making related to water use, soil health, crop management, and climate resilience.

  • Empower local producers by providing tools, education, and resources to integrate innovative, sustainable practices into their operations.

Our Commitment

SARA remains committed to empowering local agricultural communities through advocacy, education, and actionable research. Our collaboration with NASA Acres and FIAT exemplifies our dedication to stewarding agricultural resources responsibly, supporting farm profitability, and contributing to environmental sustainability for future generations.

Join us in pioneering the future of farming—where innovation meets tradition.