High-resolution satellite data and big-data analytics are revolutionizing our ability to monitor crop development at field level worldwide (see, for example, J. Dash Nature Sustain. 2, 903–904; 2019). However, progress towards ensuring food security for all with the aid of satellite technology is hampered by poor access to ground data, leaving untapped opportunities to improve human livelihoods. The solution could lie in stronger public–private partnerships between the academic and corporate sectors.

The high costs of ground-data collection, and researchers’ general isolation from farmers, can make stand-alone projects impractical. In many countries, however, ground data are already being collected at field level by insurers, traders, seed companies and representatives of other industries. Cross-sectoral collaborations could benefit all parties if concerns around data sharing, cited by both private and public organizations, could be resolved and mutual trust reinforced.

Public–private partnerships stand to optimize the value of input and expertise from both sectors, thereby accelerating innovation and informatics related to sustainable and productive agriculture.