AgriDataValue project hosted an online workshop, on the 27^th of March, related to the digital transformation of agriculture. More than 40 participants engaged in a dynamic discussions, exchanging ideas about the socioeconomic, technological, and political factors that affect the adoption of data-driven technologies in agriculture. The workshop began with an introduction to the project objectives and expected results before diving into the strategic significance of PESTLE Analysis in understanding external factors influencing digital technology adoption in smart agriculture. Through an interactive Miro board session, participants collaboratively generated inputs for each PESTLE segment: Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal, and Environmental. These inputs were then strategically examined via SWOT analysis, fostering dynamic discussions and interactive learning experiences. The knowledge gained from the workshop will be further consolidated and expanded upon using literature, enriching our understanding and driving future agricultural innovation. Stay tuned for more collaborative initiatives driving innovation in agriculture!

Climate change is going to significantly influence both crop and livestock production, being a key challenge for the agricultural sector.

The new CAP 2023-2027 has taken into account climate change issues by raising environmental standards through some specific policy objectives:

• contributing to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration, as well as promoting sustainable energy
• efficient resource management: foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources such as water, soil and air, including by reducing chemical dependency.
• halting biodiversity loss: contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, enhance ecosystem services and preserve habitats and landscapes.

The CAP 2023-27 supports agriculture in making a much stronger contribution to the goals of the European Green Deal. It ensures that national CAP plans are in line with environmental and climate legislation and that beneficiaries of the CAP have their payments linked to a stronger set of mandatory requirements. Farmers are provided with stronger incentives for climate and environment-friendly farming practices and approaches and allocate more funds in measures to support climate, biodiversity, environment and animal welfare.

Overall, the new CAP supports farmers in their transition to a more sustainable agriculture, which should also include the capacity to cope with changing climatic conditions.

The Agridatavalue project aims to monitor the effects of climate change on agriculture since 1985 and elaborate future projections in order to help farmers to better adapt to climate change consequences.

Thanks to the development of climate change prediction models, farmers will be able to identify potential risks and challenges in order to adopt measures to limit negative effects on production.

Lithuanian farmers are on the brink of a digital revolution with the launch of the AgriDataValue platform, a groundbreaking initiative funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program. This digital platform is specifically designed to empower farmers through advanced digital technologies, enabling them to harness the power of agricultural data like never before. The AgriDataValue platform will serve as an indispensable digital tool for addressing several critical areas:

Enhanced Digital Data Accessibility: A common hurdle for many farmers is the difficulty in accessing crucial agricultural data or the inability to effectively leverage such data. AgriDataValue will provide a digital gateway to a wealth of information, including real-time weather forecasts, comprehensive soil quality data, and detailed plant health insights, all accessible via a user-friendly digital interface.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging the latest in digital analytics, the platform will equip farmers with sophisticated tools to analyze vast amounts of data, enabling data-driven decision making for planting, fertilization, pest control, and more. This digital approach aims to optimize resource utilization, minimize operational costs, and maximize yields through precision farming techniques.

Digital Support for Sustainable Farming: In today’s world, sustainability is not just an environmental concern but a digital innovation challenge as well. AgriDataValue will foster sustainable farming practices through digital tools that offer insights for reducing chemical use and enhancing soil health, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Creating a Digital Farming Community: Beyond just a platform, AgriDataValue aims to cultivate a digital community among farmers, researchers, tech developers, and other stakeholders. This digital ecosystem will encourage the sharing of knowledge, digital tools, and best practices, enhancing the collective ability to address agricultural challenges.

The success of AgriDataValue hinges on its collaborative design process, involving farmers and agricultural organizations closely to ensure the digital platform meets their specific needs and expectations. Cutting-edge research and technology will underpin the platform, ensuring the use of the most up-to-date digital tools and data analytics techniques.

This initiative signifies a major leap towards the digitalization of Lithuanian agriculture, offering farmers the digital tools necessary for efficient, sustainable, and profitable farm management in the digital age.

AgriDataValue will conduct an insightful online workshop on Digital Transformation in Agriculture. Scheduled for March 27th, 2024, from 11:00 to 12:00 CET, this workshop aims to shed light on digital transformation in agriculture and the pivotal role of AgriDataValue. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions, exchanging ideas about the socioeconomic, technological, and political factors that affect the adoption of data-driven technologies in agriculture.

Reserve your spot by registering for the workshop here.    

The Association of Organic Farming Operators – “BIO Romania”, is a non-governmental and apolitical Romanian legal entity, dialogue partner of the state authorities, with competences in ecological agriculture that works for the sustainable development of agriculture and the Romanian rural space, for education, informing and raising consumer awareness of the benefits of organic farming for both human health and the health of nature, by promoting excellence in the field of organic farming.

The purpose of the Association is the area of excellence in the field of organic agriculture in order to promote competitiveness in this field and the sustainable development of the rural environment, as well as the harmonization, representation and defense of the interests of operators in organic agriculture, both nationally and internationally. In the long term, the Association’s goal is to develop its own standard of ecological production recognized at national and international level.

In the AgriData Value project, the incorporation of advanced technologies such as weather stations and IoT sensors marks a significant leap forward. These devices will be deployed in the field to collect comprehensive data on weather patterns and soil conditions, enabling precise adjustments to farming practices. Insights from this real-time data can lead to informed decision-making, optimization of resource use, and further advances in sustainable agriculture.

The Bio Romania pilot focuses on the development of agricultural procedures and practices to obtain a sustainable and healthy production generated by conventional agriculture in the Minimum Soil Work System and strip-till system. An analysis will be made between the classic tillage system and the two new systems, namely minimum tillage and strip-till in conventional agriculture.

BIO ROMANIA, agreed to be a partner in this project because BIO farmers mostly use advanced technologies in Agriculture and protect Natural resources and Biodiversity, and the AgriData Value project will allow us to provide information and technologies, software, to help them get higher BIO harvests with lower energy, water, fertilizer resources, so lower costs, higher productions and conservation of Natural resources and Biodiversity!

Emiliana West Rom is a member of the BIO Romania association and was selected for the project because it has 3000 ha of BIO certification and uses advanced technologies for the grain crops it produces.

For this, a collaboration was established with Emiliana West Rom S.R.L.. Investment by an Italian businessman who works successfully in the field of processing vegetable fats, a man passionate about agriculture and convinced that agriculture can be done at the highest level in Romania , Emiliana West Rom S.R.L. was established in 2000 in Timiș County and operates in the Dudeștii-Vechi – Valcani – Teremia Mare area. Emiliana West Rom S.R.L. managed in a very short time to give more economic potential to the area in which it operates, at the same time dynamizing the labor market.

The massive capital investment results in an ultra-modern firm. Emiliana West Rom SRL benefits from state-of-the-art technical equipment, as well as a GPS system for tracking the production process. The company also owns a modern storage base with a capacity of 90,000 tons, of which 40,000 tons are in vertical cells.

Regarding the land, Emiliana West Rom SRL works a total area of approximately 12,000 hectares distributed in the territories of the localities: Dudeștii Vechi, Valcani, Beba Veche and Teremia Mare.

The nature of the land, distributed in 4 municipalities and within a radius of 30 km, varies considerably, from the clay soil in the “Cociohat” area (the municipality of Dudești Vechi), to the medium and sandy soil in the Valcani area.

All soil types have a high content of organic material (on average 3-4%), resulting in high soil fertility in the area. The different nature of soils plays an important role in crop diversification. In this regard, the Cociohat land is more suitable for autumn-winter cereals and sunflowers, while the soil of the Valcani area can include corn, beets, soybeans and, in the future, onion and potato crops.

Using the sensors located on the plots considered in the project, it will be possible to make a more precise estimate of the critical periods for the plants and it will be possible to act in this sense to obtain sustainable productions from an economic and qualitative point of view. The identification of the critical periods of development for plants, in order to obtain sustainable productions, taking into account the technologies of working on the surface as well as the reduction of the amounts of water used and the costs of operation represents an important perspective considering a better management of water and of the resources involved in the production process, and the reduction of equipment operating costs and therefore the improvement of soil quality indices in order to preserve it for future generations.

It is also aimed at reducing the amount of water used, as well as the operating costs involved in achieving sustainable productions, taking into account the environment and the increasingly competitive and difficult to satisfy economic and social conditions.

First, the measurements made with the two Meteobot Mini weather stations and the Meteobot Nitro chlorophyll reading sensor will be followed Information on the moments when it is urgently necessary to act with irrigation works to reduce the costs and resources involved in the production process (moisture , temperature, pests, etc.).

The plots involved in the project are surrounded on the four sides by irrigation/drainage channels.

BF 1566 plot 1469a – 15.43 ha (classic works)

BF 1569 plot 1470a – 15.33 ha (minimum soil works)

The pilot case of AgriDataValue about anti-frost control, in Saint Emilion (France), aims to deal with early prediction of frost, along with automated remote mitigation (via precision watering) may result in significant improvement in fruits (especially in vineyards) quantity and quality.

In the article “Post-Spring Frost Canopy Recovery, Vine Balance, and Fruit Composition in cv. Barbera Grapevines” published by the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research (open access) it is stated that spring frost is one of the most dramatic events that might occur in a vineyard, as freezing temperatures ≤ −1.5°C are known to cause severe injuries to swelling buds and developing shoots. The release from endodormancy encompasses a quick rehydration of buds and young green tissues moving from a water concentration of approximately 40% to > 80%. Consequently, tissue tolerance to low temperatures decreases, since cytoplasmic freezing temperature depends on the concentration of solutes, which get diluted by progressive rehydration. In such context, the occurrence of “false springs” due to warming trends accelerates and advances budburst and early shoot development, causing a likely increase in grapevine susceptibility to spring frost. Many wine regions in France, Germany, and Italy have experienced drastic yield losses between 2016 and 2021 due to spring frost occurrence.

The impact of spring frost on vineyards and the subsequent challenges faced by wine regions in Europe is significant. The AgriDataValue project aims to enhance crop resilience and improve the overall production. The pilot case in Saint Emilion, focusing on early prediction and automated remote mitigation, presents a promising avenue for improving both the quantity and quality of fruits, particularly in vineyards.

The AgriDataValue project was presented by Synelixis at the 30^th Anniversary International Exhibition of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, AGROTICA 2024. The exhibition was held at the International Exhibition and Conference Centre of Thessaloniki, from the 1st to 4^th of February 2024. Agrotica is the largest trade fair in the Southeastern Mediterranean, presenting the new trends and the global technology of the entire spectrum of agricultural entrepreneurship. 

In total 1,800 exhibitors from 49 countries participated in the event, while the cumulative attendance of visitors, from Greece and 17 foreign countries, exceeded 150 thousand people, creating thus a huge networking core for the primary sector. Within the framework of the AGROTICA 2024, we had the opportunity to inform visitors about the major contribution of precision agriculture to modern rural production. Visitors expressed high interest in the technologies incorporated by the AgriDataValue project such as Agri-environmental monitoring and precision farming solutions. SynField, which is Synelixis’ smart agriculture solution, was also presented at the exhibition. The advanced capabilities of SynField will be utilized within the AgriDataValue project.  

Agriculture is once again going through a critical moment. In addition to the historical challenge of having to feed a growing population adequately, the need to anticipate the challenges posed by climate change is now becoming more pressing, given the early materialization of the risks that scientists had been anticipating. To this is added the need to modify agricultural practices in such a way that the quantity and quality of agricultural production is maintained (and increased), while reducing the impact on the environment in general and on the soil in particular, and, in the same way, that agricultural holdings are economically sustainable.

One of the agricultural tasks that has the most environmental and economic impact is the application of phytosanitary products for the control of pests, whether they are fungi or insects. Reducing the application to the cases and moments in which they are strictly necessary improves the sustainability of agricultural holdings. Achieving this improvement requires that treatments be applied at the times, phenological states, in which they are really going to be effective and, only if, there is a real risk of infection or plant damage.

During the last 300 years, models of predicting the phenological evolution of plants and the risk of diseases have been developed. These models are based on the linking of field observations, of the phenological states or of the presence of pests, with meteorological data, fundamentally temperature and environmental humidity. These models can be calibrated to adjust to the characteristics of a particular space, for which it is necessary to have precise meteorological observations and, above all, field observations, which makes their application by farmers in general difficult.

In recent years, taking advantage of the capabilities of data capture, processing, and visualization that current technologies offer, more advanced models of predicting phenology and disease risk have been developed. Developed by multidisciplinary teams, they take advantage of diverse data sources to make precise predictions, at the level of a plot, while also being general and applicable to different geographical regions. Many of these models apply Big Data and Artificial Intelligence technologies to process data from weather stations, weather forecasts, multispectral satellite images (Sentinel 2), or, among other data sources, from field observations. However, most of these models are still limited to specific geographical areas. One of the reasons for this limitation is the lack of datasets of field observations.

It is not a question of the absence of datasets of field observations. The problem is that there is a reluctance to share them for use. This reluctance would probably disappear if there was confidence in the use of the data that is going to be carried out. Data spaces, such as the one being developed in the Agridatavalue project, have as one of their objectives to overcome this reluctance by guaranteeing the ownership and sovereignty of the data shared in them: the control of their use. They also allow shared use in the cloud and access to resources that allow the massive processing of data.

The use case UC 3.1: Fruit trees disease forecast/detection developed by SARGA and ITAINNOVA will take advantage of the capabilities of the Agridatavalue data space and the resources deployed by several partners of the project to develop models of predicting phenology and risk of diseases in fruit trees (apple, pear, peach, etc.) from plots located in Aragon. To do this, it will use meteorological data from networks of stations managed by SARGA, weather forecasts, and Sentinel 2 multispectral images. However, the most appreciated resource will be the field observations, of the phenological evolution of fruit trees and the presence of pests, from the FARA network managed by the Government of Aragon.

The development of these models will allow farmers to optimize the use of phytosanitary products, reducing their environmental impact and improving the economic sustainability of their holdings. It will also allow them to make better decisions about the timing of harvests, which will improve the quality and marketability of their products.

In February 2023, a new project named AgriDataValue (ADV) was launched, bringing together approximately 30 partners from across the European Union and the United Kingdom. AgriDataValue, set to run initially for three years, aims to be the definitive game changer in the digital transformation of sectors like Smart Farming and climate adaptation. The project, however, is not just limited to its scheduled timeframe; it will extend beyond these years for monitoring and leveraging its results.

What sets AgriDataValue apart is its approach: integrating (big) data with existing systems and cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, blockchain, and traditional agricultural know-how. This integration seeks to create a platform that is not just a foundation for a sustainable business model in agriculture but also a cornerstone for research and development of innovative systems.

Delphy, participating as an agricultural partner, contributes in two of the 23 diverse pilots within this project. These pilots cover a wide range of areas, including crops like vegetables and fruits, and even animal farming. They are structured around specific Use Cases addressing challenges such as reducing fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water use, improving harvest quality, minimizing greenhouse gases and nitrogen emissions, and enhancing animal welfare.

The first Delphy-pilot focuses on onion cultivation, aiming to optimize irrigation water usage. In the Netherlands, climate change has made consistent irrigation a necessity for crops like onions. Traditionally in Dutch arable farming, irrigation is done with reel systems, but more and more growers are switching to drip irrigation systems. Because of a more precise dosing of the water as well as the possibility of also applying fertilizers, even higher yields can then be achieved. As in some areas of the Netherlands, the availability of good-quality fresh water is becoming less and less, this has also become an important aspect. At Delphy, we have several studies ongoing on drip irrigation supported by soil moisture sensors and Delphy’s own-developed QMS water system. AgriDataValue can contribute to these studies by exploring the possibilities of AI and ML in combination with traditional farmer knowledge and experience to determine optimal water usage.

The other pilot in fruit farming leverages data collected through drones, satellites, and soil scans to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. The challenge lies in efficiently gathering data through sensors, effectively combining it with other available data, and drawing impactful conclusions to support farmers’ ambitions. Delphy already has a lot of experience in using data in orchards, and AgriDataValue aims to further this progress in reducing chemical crop protection agents.

In general, AgriDataValue strives to simplify complex processes. The question at its heart is whether AI, ML, or other technologies can be used to make data-driven agriculture simpler, more efficient, and more sustainable.

About Delphy

Delphy is an agricultural consultancy firm, based in the Netherlands. It represents excellence and global expertise in the plant sectors, particularly food and flowers. With over 250 employees operating from various locations around the globe, Delphy is a guiding force in agriculture and horticulture. It is not just a consultancy firm; it’s a trendsetter in quality and expertise, shaping a sustainable future in the food and flowers industry.

Union “Farmers’ Parliament” (ZSA) was established in 1999 as non-governmental organisation. Today the organisation has grown up to 800 members representing farmers of all agricultural sectors in Latvia. ZSA is the main agriculture lobby organisation in Latvia with long lasting, highly successful and professional ties in rural development sector both in the national and European Union level. ZSA is active in different EU programmes’ projects with the practical experience, ensuring the testing and demonstration activities, working on political recommendations and organizing information and educational activities and dissemination the knowledge in Latvia and EU.

ZSA is actively participating in the AgriDataValue project, but also has other different developments which are related to the AgriDataValue topics.

One important development is ZSA GEO digital map platform

ZSA has created a platform designed for the development and support of various digital technologies. The platform offers farmers the latest satellite images and the ability to compare them to see changes, various spatial data, which will continue to be supplemented with new digital solutions. Potential developments, models and data collected within the AgriDataValue project also could be technically integrated into the platform. Platform is accessible in the Web: https://app.smartagro.lv

The platform provides various spatial data layers, including: soil moisture and vegetation indices, various cadastres data, soil classes and values, information about agricultural fields integrated from the Latvian rural support service (LAD), satellite image maps, orthophoto maps, topographical maps etc.

After registration in the system, it is possible to draw or load your fields, display or add attributes from the LAD register, see the field area on the map and view them together with the data listed above and the latest satellite images. Platform also provides search functionality by the different parameters.

Satellite data is updated weekly and all cloud-free images are added to the platform. For example, in the season from March 2023 to September 2023, at least 10 images are available for comparison.

The app supports also mobile devices.

To the platform also additional information and layers can be added. For instance: The Latvian Nature Foundation (LDF) is starting the creation of a brand of natural meadow products within the project “LIFE-IP LatViaNature” and invites owners of meadows to apply as cooperation partners and potential producers of natural meadow products. The brand of natural meadow products will be a special label that will allow the consumers to recognize products that come from natural meadows, thus giving the opportunity to support the preservation of those meadows. In cooperation with ZSA, meadow owners will have the opportunity to display their farm and detailed information about products and services provided in the ZSA GEO map platform.

ZSA also developed a new meteodata platform which can be easily used on mobile devices and allows user to promptly review weather forecasts anywhere in Latvia: https://meteo.smartagro.lv. Currently, the platform combines the weather forecast services of SLLC “Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre” and MET Norway. But since it is possible to add other services to the platform, potential users are free to suggest other service providers of the weather forecasts.