Digitalisation for sustainable agri-food systems: The Greek approach
Study on the use and impact of smart farming agriculture
Description
The “Digitalisation for sustainable agri-food systems: The Greek approach” study describes the significant changes witnessed in the agricultural sector in Greece that led to volume constraints and stagnation in production value, rising production costs and a decline in gross value added. The study explains how digitalization can contribute to the sustainability of farming systems from an economic, social and environmental perspective by helping farmers produce more – and better – with less, while at the same time contributing to efforts to combat climate change. The Greek approach referred to in the study was a pioneering alliance at an EU level of the 72 leading agricultural cooperatives in Greece, the banking sector (the Piraeus Bank Group) and the IT sector (Neuropublic SA), all of which have contributed to the creation of the Gaiasense smart farming system. The system plays host to a broad range of information technologies and agronomy knowledge, adopting a holistic technological and business approach to the creation of a one-stop shop for a multitude of services in one location. Gaiasense was launched in 46 areas in Greece in 2019 for 30 different crops, with the intention of covering a total of 300 000 ha of farmland, amounting to approximately 10 percent of the arable land in Greece, by 2020.
Technology
The Gaiasense smart farming system described in the “Digitalisation for sustainable agri-food systems: The Greek approach” study has been designed as a modular and adaptable system that can be applied to all crops and in all holdings/regions in the European Union. Bespoke advice has been made available depending on needs taking into account local particularities and requirements. The system has been designed for ease of use, regardless of the level of familiarity with digital technologies/tools of the user. Read more at https://agritechobservatory.fao.org/analytics/105
Target
The main users of the “Digitalisation for sustainable agri-food systems: The Greek approach” study and the Gaiasense system have been agricultural alliances – 72 of the leading agricultural cooperatives in Greece have joined part of the alliance behind the study. Individual farmers can learn about the benefits of the Gaiasense system and the provided services and advice through a one-stop shop. By drawing upon this study and the related smart farming solution, agricultural advisors can learn about the agricultural advisory services that are available, as well as tools, measurements and data that were previously unavailable. Agricultural advisors with knowledge of the available tools have gained greater prestige through the provision of advice based on scientific data. Finally, rural communities and farmers have been able to benefit from the study after familiarizing themselves with the available digital technologies, turning them from merely passive consumers of costly inputs engaged in the production of low-cost goods into operators that make business decisions based on specific data, scientific advice and market information.
Impact
The “Digitalisation for sustainable agri-food systems: The Greek approach” resource has supported the use of smart farming technologies for the consistent reduction of the use of plant protection products, as well as production water and fertilizers, while also contributing to an increase in productivity and economic benefits (reduced inputs + productivity increase), and improvements in risk management and quality. Important results were achieved in the use of Gaiasense for nine crops (table and clingstone peaches, almonds, table grapes, pistachio nuts, olive trees, beans, potatoes and cotton) in the first 2 years of implementation. The study highlighted how the use of smart farming technologies could help farmers.
Partners
72 agricultural cooperatives and organizations, Neuropublic SA, Piraeus Bank Group, Center for sustainable entrepreneurship Exelixi SA, Agricultural Innovation
Four Betters
Better production
