The Digitalisation of the European Agricultural Sector

From artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G, the latest technologies can offer invaluable support for farmers and agribusinesses.

Through digitalisation, stakeholders can benefit from a more streamlined value chain, with closer collaboration and improved communication between producers, processors, distributors, and retailers. Meanwhile, innovative SMEs can emerge and thrive, bolstering the industry with new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Despite the many benefits of digitalisation, it can also create a digital divide between those with access to cutting-edge technologies and those without. This divide could manifest itself in several ways, such as between connected and disconnected farms, and between small and large agricultural operations.

To ensure that digitalisation is inclusive and accessible for all, it is important for policymakers, industry leaders, and technology providers to work together in promoting the benefits of digitalisation and supporting farmers with training, resources, and incentives to adopt new technologies. By doing so, the European agricultural sector can make the most of the digital age, improving the sustainability and profitability of farming operations while also addressing pressing issues such as food security and climate change.

How IoT is used in agriculture, and how does it benefit farmers and the industry as a whole?

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been transforming the agricultural sector by providing farmers with access to real-time data on environmental and machine conditions. These data help farmers make better decisions and improve every aspect of their work, including crop farming and livestock monitoring. By combining IoT real-time data with accurate geo-spatial data, farmers can practice precision farming, resulting in higher yields, reduced waste, and more sustainable practices.

Additionally, IoT technology enables farmers to remotely monitor crops and livestock, reducing labour costs and ensuring the health and safety of their animals.

Benefits and challenges ahead

The landscape of data-sharing platforms and ecosystems needed for a common European agricultural data space: there is a need to develop common data-sharing platforms and ecosystems that can enable data sharing and interoperability between different applications and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Looking ahead

The use of digital twins has the potential to enable an interoperable and sustainable transformation in agriculture. By creating virtual representations of physical assets such as fields, animals, or machinery, digital twins can be enhanced with data from sensors and cameras on the land, utilising Cloud, Edge, AI, and IoT technologies to optimise water usage, accurately spread seeds and fertilisers, and reduce the need for harmful pesticides.

The benefits of using digital twins in farming are numerous, including improved efficiency and productivity, reduced waste and environmental impact, and better decision-making capabilities for farmers. Additionally, digital twins can provide a platform for testing new farming techniques and technologies, reducing the risk of costly and time-consuming trial-and-error processes.

However, challenges remain in implementing digital twins in agriculture, including the need for reliable and secure connectivity, data privacy and ownership concerns, and the cost of implementing such technologies. As such, there is a need for further research and development, as well as collaborative efforts among farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers, to fully realise the potential of digital twins in agriculture.