Introduction

AgriDataValue is designed and structured to significantly contribute to the overall EU agricultural development. Targeting the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) implementation, the project will drive developments in Precision Farming and Agri-Environmental monitoring and strengthen the Agricultural Digital Transformation at European Level. AgriDataValue has conducted a research regarding the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2023-2027. The key points of the new CAP are presented in the following report.

The European Union’s CAP has long been a cornerstone of agricultural support and development. As we enter a new phase, the CAP 2023-2027 brings forth transformative changes aimed at ensuring a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative agricultural sector. With a heightened focus on environmental protection, climate action, and enhanced support for rural development, the new CAP represents a significant step forward in shaping the future of European agriculture.

1.            Embracing Sustainability

Sustainability lies at the heart of the new CAP, reflecting the EU’s commitment to address environmental challenges and promote biodiversity conservation. The CAP 2023-2027 aims to promote sustainable farming practices that minimize the impact on natural resources. Farmers will be encouraged to adopt agroecological approaches, reduce chemical inputs, and embrace conservation practices to preserve soil health and protect water resources.

2.            Enhancing Climate Resilience

Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to agriculture, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and unpredictable. The new CAP places a strong emphasis on climate resilience, offering support to farmers to adapt and mitigate climate risks. Funding opportunities will be available to invest in climate-smart technologies, such as precision farming, renewable energy solutions, and carbon sequestration practices, which contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable land management.

3.            Supporting Young Farmers and Innovation

Nurturing the next generation of farmers is vital for the continuity of the agricultural sector. The CAP 2023-2027 introduces specific measures to support young farmers, facilitating their entry into agriculture and ensuring a vibrant rural future. Moreover, the new CAP encourages innovation and digitalization in agriculture by providing funding for research and the adoption of advanced technologies. This promotes a more competitive and efficient agricultural sector, capable of meeting evolving consumer demands and global challenges.

4.            Strengthening Rural Development

Rural communities are the backbone of agriculture, and the new CAP seeks to strengthen their economic and social fabric. Funding will be channeled into initiatives that enhance rural infrastructures, improve access to education and healthcare, and promote local entrepreneurship. The CAP 2023-2027 will also encourage diversification in rural economies, fostering sustainable tourism, renewable energy projects, and non-agricultural activities to create more resilient rural communities.

5.            Simplification and Fairness

Recognizing the complexities of the previous CAP, the new iteration aims to simplify procedures and streamline funding mechanisms. By reducing administrative burdens and enhancing transparency, the CAP 2023-2027 intends to ensure a fair distribution of support among farmers and stakeholders. Direct payments will be more targeted, focusing on environmental and social outcomes, rewarding sustainable practices and active farmers.

Conclusion

The Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 heralds a new era of sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity for European agriculture. With its strong commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and rural development, the CAP empowers farmers to become stewards of the land and champions of biodiversity. By embracing innovation, nurturing young farmers, and promoting sustainable practices, Europe’s agricultural sector is poised to lead the way in meeting the challenges of the 21st century. As the CAP 2023-2027 unfolds, it lays the foundation for a greener and more prosperous future for European agriculture.

The 1st Advisory Board meeting for AgriDataValue was held online on the 24^th of July 2023. It was attended by external advisory board members and the consortium partners. The advisory board consists of three external experts, namely, Mrs. Marianna Faraldi (project manager at Tecnoalimenti S.C.p.A), Mr. Gregory Chatzikostas (vice president of business development at Foodscale Hub), and Prof. Federico Alvarez (associate professor at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid -UPM).

The consortium presented an overview of the project objectives, current and planned activities, as well as the project’s overall architecture. In addition, the consortium presented the project’s pilots and the associated use cases. The Advisory Board members provided inspiring and valuable feedback on the work accomplished, identifying also opportunities and potential challenges. The consortium of the AgriDataValue aims to capitalize on the fruitful discussion and experts’ recommendations that aim to safeguard the project’s smooth operation, public outreach, and impact creation.

The 2^nd plenary meeting was held on the 27^th and 28^th of June 2023 in London. During the two-day physical meeting, the consortium reviewed the progress on all work packages and had the chance to address development issues. The partners presented the results achieved so far and the next steps towards the successful delivery of AgriDataValue. 

Several announcements have been made by the media regarding the project, prior and after the AgriDataValue kick-off event.  The technological superiority, scale of deployment and comprehensive end-to-end multi-actor involvement draw the attention.  AgriDataValue, during its lifespan (6 years), is targeting the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and it will strengthen the Smart-Farming capacities and empower farmer’s competitiveness and fair income. A presentation of the project and its objectives were illustrated both in high traffic online news sites and in a major agriculture newspaper (print form). Bellow you can find the links to the online announcements. 

Links to Press Releases

1. ETHEAS (the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives in Greece)
2. Agrinio Agricultural Cooperative Union (online publication) 
3. Newmoney.gr (online press) 
4. Agronews.gr (online press 1)
5. Agronews.gr (online press 2)
6. Agro24.gr (online press)
7.  Sofokleous10.gr (online press)

The kick-off meeting of the AgriDataValue project was held on the 22 and 23 of February in Athens. Through this two-day kick-off meeting, the partners gathered to set the roadmap and the next steps towards the successful delivery of AgriDataValue over the next six years. AgriDataValue  (Smart Farm and Agri-environmental Big Data Space) will lead the pan-European digital transformation in agriculture. The project stands out for its technological superiority, scale of deployment, and comprehensive end-to-end multi-actor involvement. The consortium, led by Synelixis, consists of 30 partners from Greece, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Lithuania. 

Announcement by Agronews

https://www.agronews.gr/ekdiloseis/204600/parousiasi-tou-programmatos-agridatavalue-stis-22-fevrouariou/

agronews2-1

Announcement by agronews.gr

https://www.agronews.gr/farming/204676/proupothesi-ta-akrivi-dedomena-gia-tin-strofi-stin-eufui-georgia/

agronews1-2

Announcement by newmoney.gr

https://www.newmoney.gr/roh/palmos-oikonomias/epixeiriseis/agridatavalue-to-kenotomo-programma-pou-anamenete-na-gini-game-changer-stin-exipni-georgia/

newmoney

Announcement by ETHEAS – National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece

https://www.etheas.gr/el/products/details/EIDISEIS/Agrotikoi-Synetairismoi-kai-Georgia-Akriveias-Symmetoxi-sto-koino

etheas

We are pleased to announce that the flagship project AgriDataValue has officially started. The project kick-off meeting will be held in Athens on the 22^nd and 23^rd of February 2023.

AgriDataValue will lead the pan-European digital transformation in agriculture. The project stands out for its technological superiority, scale of deployment, and comprehensive end-to-end multi-actor involvement aiming to contribute to the solution of global food needs, sustainable and efficient farming, and protection of the environment, by optimizing agricultural production via knowledge. Targeting the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) implementation, the project will drive developments in Precision Farming and Agri-Environmental monitoring and strengthen the Agricultural Digital Transformation at European Level.

 

During the project’s lifetime, 23 pilots in 9 EU countries will be conducted, representing cultivated land of more than 181,000ha and livestock of more than 2,000 animals. In addition, more than 4,500 IoT sensors to measure (real-time) data will be installed. Within the project pilot activities, the technological superiority and functional flexibility of Synelixis’ SynField© and SynAir© product families, will be utilized.  Synelixis is the coordinator of the consortium which consists of 30 partners from Greece, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Lithuania.