On Thursday, January 23, Vicky Inglezou, Project Manager of the NILEAS Producers’ Group, delivered an impactful presentation on the AgriDataValue Project (HorizonEurope) at the event themed “Agricultural Production and Community Resilience in Magnesia.” This significant initiative is part of the NKUA Project “Governance of Just Socio-Technical Transitions (Go-JuST)” under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” which collaborates with the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI).
Held in Volos (Region of Thessaly), Ms. Inglezou showcased the AgriDataValue Project’s mission to drive developments and strengthen the agricultural digital transformation at European level. The aim of the project is to create a digital platform that will combine and utilize data collected in real time from ground sensors and agro-meteorological stations, with multispectral images from satellites and drones, in order to support the creation of machine learning models and high-value-added smart agriculture and livestock applications.

In her engaging discussion on olive cultivation, she highlighted how smart tools and applications can mitigate management risks and address the urgent challenges of the climate crisis. She specifically mentioned the three use cases in which NILEAS participates as a pilot in AgriDataValue (olive tree disease forecast/detection, anti-frost control, and pest control on olive fruit fly). She concluded by outlining the potential benefits of digital transformation in agriculture, including: a)positive environmental and climate impacts, b)contribution to climate change mitigation, c)reversal of biodiversity loss, d)enhanced food security, nutrition, and public health, e)access to safe and nutritious food, f)affordability of healthy food for everyone, g)fair economic returns for all stakeholders, especially primary sector producers and h)promotion of competitiveness and fair trade.

The presentation provided a clear overview of the project’s objectives and its transformative impact on the agricultural data landscape. The event was attended by over 100 participants, including representatives from local authorities, farmers, advisors, and members of the scientific community.

In the ongoing transition from conventional to smart farming and precision agriculture, AgriDataValue’s WP1 aims to provide comprehensive insights on how farmers across Europe are engaging with these technologies. For this purpose, a survey destined to Europe’s farmers through the AgriDataValue pilot sites and network was built. The aim of the survey was to gather information on the status of awareness and knowledge on smart farming and precision agriculture, perceived benefits, barriers/concerns, implementation considerations and future outlooks. A set of 12 questions was developed and added to the EU Survey platform in 24 languages (https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/AgridataValueSurvey). Available languages are: Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, German, Greek, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, Irish, Croatian, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Maltese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Slovak, Slovene and Swedish. Overall, 444 contributions were collected. The findings of this survey are presented in what follows.

1. Sources of Information: Education Matters
   The survey reveals distinct preferences in information sources based on educational background. Farmers with a Master’s degree or higher, predominantly rely on online resources (133 respondents) and agricultural publications (126 respondents). This group values reviewed, authoritative sources and structured learning opportunities like conferences and seminars (92 respondents). In contrast, those with a Technical/Agricultural diploma or Bachelor’s degree adopt a more balanced approach, incorporating different corpora including online resources (112 respondents), publications (82 respondents), and practical sources like extension services (55 respondents) and social media (54 respondents).
   Farmers with Secondary or Technical education show a strong reliance on online resources (65 respondents) and agricultural events (64 respondents), emphasizing community knowledge and informal networks. Those with Primary education heavily depend on peer networks (13 respondents), with limited use of online resources and formal channels, highlighting potential accessibility constraints or educational background-related challenges.
2. Perceived Benefits: Experience Shapes Priorities
   The survey highlights that farmers with varying years of experience perceive the benefits of smart farming differently. Climate change adaptation and mitigation are top priorities for farmers with 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5 years of experience, reflecting a universal need for resilience and a general awareness on climate change and its impacts. Cost savings and enhanced environmental sustainability are also highly valued across all experience levels, indicating a broad recognition of smart farming’s potential to improve efficiency and sustainability.
   Experienced farmers (30 years) particularly value data-driven decision-making and improved resource management, suggesting that these technologies complement their extensive field knowledge. Less experienced farmers (5-10 years) are keen on yield improvement and labour reduction, aligning with their need to establish productive and efficient operations somewhat under an economic/profit point of view.
3. Barriers to Adoption: Financial and Technical Hurdles
   Despite the promising benefits, according to responders, several barriers hinder the widespread adoption of smart farming. High initial investment costs are the most significant barrier, cited by both familiar (218 respondents) and unfamiliar (133 respondents) participants, hence underlining again the weight of economic considerations. Limited access to financing options and lack of technical knowledge are also major concerns, highlighting the need for financial support and educational initiatives.
   Farmers familiar with smart farming are more aware of detailed challenges, such as lack of institutional support and technology customization limitations. In contrast, those unfamiliar with the concept show a relatively lower perception of barriers, indicating a potential gap in awareness and understanding. The latter can be considered as the easiest barrier as education and knowledge spreading can contribute to bridging these gaps.
4. Detailed Insights: Benefits and Barriers by Farming Type
   The survey also provides a detailed breakdown of perceived benefits and barriers based on the type of farming practiced:
   o Crop Farming: Farmers engaged in crop farming see significant benefits in climate change adaptation (124 respondents), cost savings (184 respondents), and enhanced pest and disease control (147 respondents). However, they also face barriers such as high initial investment costs (224 respondents) and lack of technical knowledge (123 respondents).
   o Mixed Farming: Mixed farmers value improved resource management (85 respondents) and increased crop yield (85 respondents). Barriers include high initial investment costs (92 respondents) and limited access to financing (67 respondents).
   o Livestock Farming: Livestock farmers perceive benefits in enhanced pest and disease control (9 respondents) and improved resource management (14 respondents). Barriers include high initial investment costs (17 respondents) and lack of technical knowledge (7 respondents).
   o Viticulture: Farmers in viticulture see benefits in improved data-driven decision-making (9 respondents) and enhanced environmental sustainability (6 respondents). Barriers include high initial investment costs (8 respondents) and lack of reliable internet connectivity (3 respondents).
   o Other Niche Farming: These farmers value increased crop yield and productivity (6 respondents) and improved resource management (2 respondents). Barriers include high initial investment costs and limited availability of suitable technologies.
5. Influencing Factors: What Drives Adoption?
   Financial incentives and subsidies are the strongest motivators for adopting smart farming, especially among those facing high investment costs. The availability of affordable and reliable technologies, access to training and technical support, and demonstrated success stories from other farmers also play crucial roles in influencing adoption decisions.
   Interestingly, participants who prioritize data security and privacy are more cautious, reflecting a need for reassurance about the safety of their information particularly for large-scale industrial farmers. This aspect highlights the importance of addressing data concerns to foster trust and encourage adoption.
6. Gender and Education: Shifting Dynamics
   The survey also sheds light on gender representation and educational attainment in agriculture. While male participants dominate across all age groups, female representation is highest among the youngest farmers (18-25 years), suggesting a positive trend towards gender inclusivity particularly for upcoming farmers. Education levels vary, with a notable presence of advanced degrees among male participants, while female participants are more represented in technical and secondary education according to the survey’s responders.
7. Pathways to Progress: Overcoming Barriers and Enhancing Adoption
   To fully harness the potential of smart farming, it is essential to address the identified barriers and leverage the factors that drive adoption. Some recommendations are proposed below:
   o Financial Support and Incentives: Governments and institutions should provide more financial incentives, subsidies, and accessible financing options to lower the initial investment barrier. This support can encourage more farmers to adopt smart farming technologies.
   o Training and Technical Support: Establishing comprehensive training programs and technical support services can help bridge the knowledge gap. These initiatives should focus on practical, hands-on training to build confidence and competence in using smart farming tools.
   o Success Stories and Demonstrations: Sharing success stories and conducting demonstrations can showcase the tangible benefits of smart farming. Peer-to-peer learning and examples from successful initiatives like AgriDataValue can inspire and motivate farmers to embrace new technologies.
   o Policy and Institutional Support: Developing favorable policies and strengthening institutional support can create an enabling environment for smart farming. This includes ensuring access to reliable internet connectivity and addressing concerns about data security and privacy.
   o Inclusive and Accessible Solutions: Tailoring smart farming solutions to be inclusive and accessible for farmers with varying educational backgrounds and experience levels is crucial. This approach can help ensure that all farmers, regardless of their starting point, can benefit from these technologies.

Conclusion: Pathways to Progress

The AgridataValue Survey underscores the transformative potential of smart farming and precision agriculture. By addressing financial and technical barriers, providing robust support systems, and fostering an inclusive environment, the full potential of these technologies can be unlocked. As AgriDataValue moves forward, leveraging insights and findings to shape policies and initiatives that support farmers in their journey towards a sustainable and efficient agricultural future.

The AgriDataValue project was presented at the 13th International Exhibition for Livestock and Poultry, Zootechnia 2025, which was held from January 30 to February 2 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre (HELEXPO). Dr. Theodore Zahariadis, the project’s coordinator, presented AgriDataValue’s innovative contributions to smart farming and agri-environmental monitoring, along with utilization of AI/ML in livestock production.

Established in 1999 and held biennially, Zootechnia (zootechnia-expo.gr) stands as Greece’s premier specialized exhibition dedicated to the livestock and poultry sectors. The event serves as a central platform for showcasing advancements in productive animal species, state-of-the-art machinery, innovative supplies, and sector-specific services. Its primary objective is to foster a dynamic marketplace that encourages collaboration among specialized enterprises, public and private sector stakeholders, professionals, and the general public.

During the exhibition, Dr. Zahariadis engaged in comprehensive discussions with representatives from the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, as well as livestock and poultry producers from Greece and the broader Balkan region. He presented key findings from the AgriDataValue project, emphasizing the development of an innovative, intelligent, and multi-technology platform designed to enhance smart farming capabilities and agri-environmental monitoring. This platform aims to address challenges such as over-irrigation, excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and suboptimal livestock production, thereby promoting sustainable farming practices and environmental protection (agridatavalue.eu). Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe research and innovation program, the AgriDataValue project, seeks to establish itself as a game-changer in the agricultural sector. By leveraging advanced big data and data-space technologies, combined with agricultural knowledge and new business models, the project aims to strengthen smart farming capacities, enhance competitiveness, and ensure fair income for farmers.

In parallel to the Zootechnia 2025 Exhibition, Dr. Theodore Zahariadis, Coordinator of the AgriDataValue project participated in a strategic meeting organized by the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS). The focus of the meeting was the advancement of training and certification programs for agricultural cooperatives, aiming to enhance their capacity to provide advisory services to their members and associated agricultural organizations within their regions.
The assembly was organized over by Mr. Moschos Korasidis, General Director of ETHEAS. The meeting was attended by the President of ETHEAS, Mr. Pavlos Satolias, members of the ETHEAS Board of Directors, the Head of the Special Management Service of the Rural Development Program of Greece, Mr. Nikolaos Manetas and representatives of livestock cooperatives. During the discussions, Dr. Zahariadis emphasized the critical importance of adopting Circular Economy principles within the livestock sector and presented insights of the AgriDataValue project’scontributions, particularly concerning the smart farming and assessment of zoonotic disease transmission risks among small ruminants, such as goats and sheep.

The AgriDataValue project was presented by the project coordinator, Dr. Theodore Zahariadis, at the 2nd Multi-Disciplinary International Conference on “India and Greece: History, Society, Science & Entrepreneurship.” The event took place in Thessaloniki, Greece, from December 2 to 6, 2024.

The conference focused on key thematic areas, including:
• Culture, Civilization & Tourism
• History, International Relations, Diplomacy & Geopolitics
• Informatics, Technology & Innovation
• Business, Engineering, Agriculture & Environment

Dr. Zahariadis introduced the AgriDataValue platform, emphasizing its innovative approach to data-driven agriculture. He highlighted the critical role of in-situ data collection in training AI models, demonstrating how precision agriculture can benefit from advanced technological solutions.
The participation of AgriDataValue in such a prestigious conference underscores the growing recognition of smart agricultural solutions in global discussions on technology and innovation.

Agenzia Provinciale per i Pagamenti (APPAG) is the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Paying Agency for the Autonomous Province of Trento. APPAG is in charge of managing and controlling expenditure financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). APPAG authorises and checks payments in order to establish the amount to be paid to farmers in accordance with European law. It is also responsible for administrative and on-site checks on the operations performed by farmers within the framework of CAP financing.

APPAG manages different types of agricultural data related to the Autonomous Province of Trento, i.e. land use, graphic cultivation plans, the Provincial livestock database and the Provincial graphic pasture land register. This data originates from orthophotos provided by the national Agricultural Funding Agency (Agenzia per le erogazioni in Agricoltura – AGEA), APPAG’s periodical on site inspections and farmers’ self-declarations.

In AgriDataValue and within the framework of WP4, APPAG will contribute valuable data to train the projects climate models. This initiative focuses on the Autonomous Province of Trento, which will act as a small-scale pilot region. The goal is to predict the impacts of climate change on local agriculture and specific cultivation areas. By analyzing this data, we aim to develop comprehensive guidelines for local farmers. These guidelines will help farmers understand future agricultural trends and implement targeted mitigation measures to adapt to changing climate conditions. This proactive approach will ensure that the agricultural sector in Trentino remains resilient and sustainable in the face of climate change.

In addition, with the application of climate models, APPAG could identify the possible impact of climate change on CAP 2023-2027 performance indicators at European and/or national level. CAP’s performance is measured by a wide set of indicators provided by the European Commission and Member States, some of which are closely influenced by climatic conditions. Identifying potential barriers posed by climate change on the achievement of these goals can help in adopting some mitigation measures and intensifying efforts on specific aspects of the CAP.

On November 7, 2024, Dr. Theodore Zahariadis, the coordinator of the AgriDataValue project, and Assistant Professor Nikolaos Afratis shared insights into the project’s activities with students at the University of Athens. The presentation offered an engaging overview of the project’s objectives and its impact on the agricultural data landscape, inspiring the next generation of researchers and professionals.

The AgriDataValue presented at this year’s European Big Data Value Forum, held in the heart of Budapest. As one of the most significant events in the realm of data and digital transformation, the forum brought together experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the latest advancements in big data technologies.
The AgriDataValue project aims to drive sustainability and efficiency across Europe’s agricultural landscape by enabling data-driven decision-making for farmers and stakeholders. By leveraging advanced technologies, AgriDataValue seeks to optimize resource use, enhance crop yields, and reduce environmental impact—paving the way for a more resilient and profitable farming sector. The project’s presentation at the forum highlighted its potential to accelerate the digital transformation of agriculture, aligning with the EU’s broader goals for a sustainable and green future.

The AgriDataValue project’s Use Case 5.2, “Supply Chain transparency for orchards/vineyards,” focuses on enhancing both on-farm and post-farm activities. This use case models technical and business aspects of harvesting, fruit processing, and wine production, all while integrating supply chain traceability and data business models. A recent study by Adamashvili et al. (2024) highlights how cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain Technology (BCT) are key to achieving these goals, particularly within vineyard supply chains.

IoT sensors are revolutionizing vineyard management by continuously monitoring environmental conditions like temperature, soil moisture, and humidity, providing real-time data that allows farmers to optimize processes such as irrigation and fertilization. When paired with AI, this data becomes even more valuable, as AI can analyze patterns and provide predictions that help growers make informed decisions regarding disease management and yield optimization, ultimately improving both quality and sustainability.

Blockchain technology plays a crucial role in ensuring supply chain transparency. In the context of vineyards and wine production, blockchain creates a secure and immutable record of every stage, from grape harvesting to the finished bottle. This increases consumer trust by ensuring the authenticity of the product while protecting producers from fraud and counterfeit issues. The ability to trace the origin and quality of wine in such a precise manner reflects the goals of the AgriDataValue project, aiming to model not just the production process but also the value of transparent and ethical data handling.

The combination of these technologies results in a more sustainable, efficient, and trustworthy wine supply chain. For vineyards involved in the AgriDataValue project, this technological integration represents a leap toward more resilient farming and transparent business models, with broader implications for other agricultural sectors. By embracing this model, the project sets a benchmark for how IoT, AI, and blockchain can transform agri-food supply chains in the future.

For further insights, the full study can be accessed here.

A specialised exhibition “Animal Husbandry 2024” targeted at those interested in progress and innovation in the livestock sector, was organised by the Business and Social Partnership Centre of the Agricultural Academy of the Vytautas Magnus University near Kaunas on 25-27 September 2024.

Various breeds of dairy and meat cattle, horses, sheep, goats, poultry and other farm animals, as well as innovative processing equipment and other modern technologies for husbandry farms fodder preparation and loader equipment, fodder dispensers, milking and manure handling devices, livestock and poultry feed additives, microbiological products and various services for livestock farms. Educational and practical sessions as well as workshops were organised during the exhibition, aimed at deepening the knowledge of participants and visitors about innovations, advanced technologies and sustainable solutions in the livestock sector.

During the exhibition, NPA showcased the Horizon Europe project AgriDataValue (ADV). ADV attracted significant interest at the NPA stand due to its cutting-edge nature, employing a multi-disciplinary and multi-actor approach to address complex challenges, including smart farming. Visitors were particularly curious about smart agriculture and the implementation of new technologies designed to reduce operational costs and achieve environmental goals. Lithuanian farmers are actively seeking opportunities to modernize their existing technologies and enhance their farms’ competitiveness. To achieve this, it is essential to understand how innovative technologies operate and to select the most suitable solutions and tools. However, the adoption of such technologies requires robust support mechanisms to accelerate modernization efforts.

Delphy is a Dutch agricultural consultancy firm (www.delphy.nl) with a diverse clientele across various crop sectors, including open-field cultivation and greenhouse horticulture. Our reach extends beyond the Netherlands, serving clients both within and outside Europe. At Delphy, we focus on research projects, data-driven cultivation management, advisory services, and training programs. We conduct practical, field-based research and initiate global projects aimed at fostering innovation in agriculture and horticulture. Our mission is to optimize crop management through data-driven models, provide high-quality advisory services to growers, and offer specialized training for novice and experienced cultivation managers alike.

Within the AgriDataValue project, Delphy is currently running two pilots. With the infrastructure development of the AgriDataValue platform nearing completion, the focus has now shifted towards these agricultural pilots. The first pilot involves a 13-hectare plot of onions in the province of Flevoland, where a trial on drip irrigation is being conducted.

While drip irrigation has been used for years in perennial fruit crops in the Netherlands, it is only in recent years that it has been applied to annual arable crops. In this trial, Delphy is experimenting with five distinct treatments, each replicated four times. A variety of data is being collected, including measurements from soil sensors and rain gauges. Additionally, yield data from the harvest will also be analyzed. This pilot is aligned with a key use case in the AgriDataValue project: the reduction of irrigation water usage.

The goal is to share the collected data with the AgriDataValue platform and enrich this dataset with additional publicly available data, such as local weather conditions. The critical question arises: what can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models do with this data? Can these technologies predict future outcomes or, even more ambitiously, eventually replace soil sensors altogether?

Soil sensors, while valuable, present several challenges. They are expensive, installation and calibration require significant attention, the connection might not always be reliable, and the accuracy of their readings can be uncertain. Moreover, determining the optimal number of sensors for reliable data is still a subject of debate. Is it ever possible to place enough sensors to get a complete picture of soil conditions?

Currently, irrigation decisions made without soil sensor data often rely on growers’ intuition. In the Netherlands, even when soil sensors are available, farmers typically interpret the data themselves and make their own decisions about if and how much to irrigate. This method poses a real risk of unnecessary water use, which is particularly concerning as access to fresh water in some parts of the country becomes increasingly scarce.

The AgriDataValue project aims to contribute to more efficient water usage, potentially eliminating the need for soil sensors in the future. We eagerly await the first results and the insights that AI and Machine Learning models might provide in optimizing irrigation practices. Could this be the breakthrough that helps farmers navigate the challenges of water scarcity in the coming years?