Agro-informatics

A New Chapter for AMIS: Enhanced Technology for Greater Market Transparency

12/12/2024

A Platform Built for the Future

A recent upgrade of the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) website marks a pivotal step to ensure that global agricultural stakeholders continue having access to vital market intelligence. The new site provides improved functionalities and flexibility, with a greater focus being placed on data and the timeliness of information. In this way AMIS will be able to better respond to the dynamic needs of its users, strengthening the initiative’s reputation for being a key pillar for global market transparency.

“This upgrade is more than just improving the looks of our site—it is about future-proofing our systems,” says Denis Drechsler, AMIS Project Manager, FAO. “By moving to a modern technology stack, we have ensured that AMIS is equipped to grow and respond to the needs of our stakeholders more effectively, keeping them informed about latest developments”

Focus on data and real time information

AMIS is a collaborative initiative created by the Group of Twenty (G20), involving ten international organizations that support the Secretariat with data and analysis. The revamped site allows AMIS partners to directly feed their contributions into the system while several processes have been automated and streamlined to maximize efficiency. To showcase the value of up-to-date information, the new homepage features key market data, prominently displaying the latest supply-and-demand updates and market price information for immediate access.

“The dynamic nature of global food markets requires a nimble system that can get out information fast”, explains Ken Barron, Agroinformatics Platform Analyst, FAO. “These updates address the challenges posed by the short shelf life of our data, enabling all our stakeholders to stay informed about the latest developments more quickly.”

For users seeking in-depth analysis, the expanded Market Monitor pages now incorporate all sections of the traditional print report, providing a seamless online experience. Another highlight is the new fertilizer data dashboard, which offers insights into global fertilizer trends and their impact on agricultural production. The analysis of fertilizer markets has recently been added to the monitoring work of AMIS following G20 demands and the significant price hikes in main fertilizer products in 2022.

As Chair of AMIS, Canada is very pleased to see the broadening of the Secretariat’s information resources, especially in the area of fertilizers, and greatly appreciates the responsiveness of the system to quickly address the evolving needs of its members. This enhanced website will play a key role in supporting the transparency mandate collectively being pursued by AMIS members”, says Donald Boucher, Director General, Sector Development and Analysis Directorate, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and current Chair of AMIS.

Empowering Stakeholders with Better User Experience

The upgraded website does not just bring modern functionality; it represents a commitment to better serve AMIS’ diverse global audience. From policymakers and market analysts to researchers and producers, the platform provides an accessible and comprehensive view of what is happening in global agricultural markets.

Thanks to its new design and interactive tools, the revamped site can convey complex data in support of informed decision-making at every level. For example, users can now explore data by specific crops in addition to the traditional access via topics, providing greater flexibility in accessing relevant insights.

As AMIS looks to the future, recent upgrades lay the groundwork for continuous improvement and responsiveness to user needs. It reflects FAO and its partners' dedication to transparency, collaboration, and the seamless delivery of critical market intelligence for common benefits that will leave no one behind.

 Explore the new AMIS website and experience the changes firsthand.