09.07.2024 | 2 min read

CHAMPION OF CROP MANAGEMENT

Meet Sanaa, Phytosanitary Manager at African Blue

As part of WayBeyond's ‘Champions of Crop Management’ series, we interviewed Sanaa Elmarini who plays a crucial role as the Phytosanitary (P&D) Manager at African Blue, a leading supplier of premium blueberries for European markets. The company has farms in the coastal region of Moulay Bousselham and in Agadir in the south of Morocco. Sanaa is dedicated to sustainable crop management and utilizes innovative technology, making her an invaluable part of her team. We're excited to share her journey and insights on how WayBeyond's FarmRoad supports her in managing pests and diseases.

From Small Town Roots to Agronomic Innovation

Sanaa hails from Beni-Mellal, a medium-sized town known for its agricultural roots. Growing up in this environment, agronomy was a natural path. “My father wanted me to become an agronomic engineer, so I decided to use my background for something meaningful,” she shares. With a foundation in environmental engineering, Sanaa joined African Blue with a vision to integrate her studies into her work. This approach has been central to her role from the beginning.

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“When I got this job opportunity, I came with the purpose of applying integrated pest management (IPM), focusing on biological control and reducing chemical use.”

Leveraging FarmRoad for Instant Access to Data

Sanaa’s commitment to IPM requires robust tracking tools, and FarmRoad provides just that. The platform helps her track specific information such as the development of pests population like thrips and mealybugs and diseases before and after treatment or after a heat wave. She tracks daily the information on scouting, temperature, light and humidity, essential for successful pest management strategies.

The platform has proven to be a valuable asset in her daily work making it essential for the success of her pest management strategies and to send graphs to illustrate weekly reports and presentations to senior leadership. 

Experimentation and Problem-Solving

What Sanaa loves most about her job is the ability to experiment and see tangible results. She didn't start tracking natural predators yet, but she plans to use it this season.

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“I can experiment with different plans and see if they work. When I solve a problem with low cost, it makes me happy.” 

The ability to test and refine methods is a significant source of pride and satisfaction for Sanaa. Her innovative spirit drives continuous improvement and sustainable practices at African Blue. 

The Impact of Technology

Using digital tools like WayBeyond's FarmRoad has transformed Sanaa's work. Technology has made decision-making fast and accessible everywhere and anytime. Even when she is not on the farm, Sanaa can see what’s happening and react immediately. This instant access to data allows for more responsive and informed decisions, enhancing overall crop management efficiency.

Saana Elmarini African Blue
 

Helping Growers with Continuous Support

Sanaa appreciates the support she receives from WayBeyond. The team is always available, ready to explain and help her to use the tools effectively whenever needed. This ongoing support ensures that Sanaa can maximize the benefits of digital agronomy in her work.

Sanaa’s journey at African Blue shows the power of combining agronomic practices with modern technology. Her story inspires us to work on solutions that help growers to grow delicious fruits and vegetables, and have a beneficial impact. 

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