Interview Conference Chair

28 March 2011

In our news section we present you an interview with the Conference Chair Tamme van der Wal. Back in 2005 Tamme took the initiative together with Wageningen University and Research centre, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and Esri together to share and discuss the advances of geo-information applications in the implementation of agricultural policies in Europe.

Why are you so passionate about CAPIGI?

Agriculture is a sector with highly innovative farmers and with regulated use of geo-information. I believe that governments can learn from farmers, that the industry can learn from science and that science can learn from governmental issues, etc. That's why we in 2005 started the first CAPIGI. Thanks to new social media canals, like our LinkedIn group, we learn the field is just as passionate as I am.

What are the themes for CAPIGI 2011

At CAPIGI 2011 we look at the trends in geomatics that are of relevance to agricultural applications. The current issues in agricultural policy implementation are the basics: The upcoming reform of the CAP and quality assurance of parcel registers. In addition we bring solutions evolving at farm level. Precision farming is reaching growing numbers of farms. It is an important instrument in improving stewardship and as such interesting to policy makers.

In what ways will CAPIGI 2011 differ from previous CAPIGI events?

The formula is still the same: bringing science, industry and governments together, although of course every time we touch on the latest developments and innovations. New and special this year is that we run back-to-back with the LPIS workshop.

What would you say to those who may be considering attending but remain undecided?

CAPIGI gives you an update of the agri-geomatics. Within 48 hours you are informed and inspired. You will meet specialists and their opinions, you'll discuss with passionate ones, you will listen to thorough research and to short power pitches of new products, you will enjoy the Amsterdam canals at night by boat and at the end promise yourself to come back next time.

As host, can you predict a few highlights of the event?

I am very curious about the PechaKucha session where we have pitches of 6'40" based on 20 slides each shown 20 seconds. It is exiting and fun. I am also looking forward to the presentation of the city of Amsterdam presenting how they employ geo-information - and show how they deal with similar issues as we are facing. For me it's difficult to choose, as the whole conference is sparkling with exiting presentations!

What are you hoping that CAPIGI 2011 will achieve in the field?

We hope to inspire stakeholders and to create a European community working on the enabling role of geo-information in agriculture.

To end this interview....

I would like to take this chance to thank the programme committee, Arno Krause, Nicolai Fog Hansen, Marcel de Rink, Jens Fehrmann, Lammert Kooistra, Jaap Kroon, Armin Werner and Simon Kay, as without them there wouldn't be such appealing programme and my organising CAPIGI team Frithjof de Waard, Roosmarijn Haring and Anita Koning that help me organising CAPIGI 2011, and of course all our partners and exhibitors.

Looking forward meeting you in Amsterdam next week!