As agriculture increasingly relies on drones, IoT sensors and connected machinery, reliable connectivity is becoming essential for innovation and efficiency. However, rural and remote areas across Europe continue to face important connectivity challenges, affecting both farmers and equipment manufacturers developing connected solutions.
In this online session, taking place at 11:00 - 12:30 CEST, participants will discover the first results of a study developed, on behalf of the European Commission, by Dr Emilio Gil, Full Professor at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and expert in precision farming. The aim of the study is to assess the future of connectivity needs for precision farming adoption.
Based on an online questionnaire and stakeholder interviews, the study assesses current and future connectivity needs linked to the digital transformation of agriculture and forestry systems across Europe. Participants will gain insights into key trends in connected precision agriculture and discuss one of the research’s central questions: whether satellite connectivity alone is sufficient to support precision agriculture, or whether 5G and hybrid solutions could provide significant added value.
The session will also reflect on the growing role of connectivity as a strategic infrastructure for modern agriculture and open perspectives for future research and policy discussions linked to the EU Digital Decade targets and the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food.
Agenda
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11:00 - 11:10 |
Welcome remarks and introduction Angelo Cerqueti, Programme Manager, DG AGRI, European Commission |
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11:10 - 12:00 |
Study presentation Dr Emilio Gil, Full Professor at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia - UPC |
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12:00 - 12:30 |
Q&A Moderation: Jan Dröge, BCO Network Support Facility |