Digitisation Strategy for the Agri-Food and Forestry Sector and Rural Areas
Strategic lines and implementation instruments for the digital transformation of Spain's agrifood sector
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
The Digitisation Strategy and Action Plan for the Agri-Food and Forestry Sector and Rural Areas (hereinafter, the Strategy) of Spain defines the strategic direction, measures, resources and timeline of efforts to boost the digital transformation of the agri-food and forestry sector and rural areas in the country, and the development of the necessary instruments planned for their implementation. The Strategy is implemented through biannual action plans subject to monitoring and development. The three objectives of the Strategy are: 1) to narrow the digital divide, 2) to foster data usage and 3) to boost business development and the creation of new business models. The Strategy promotes collaboration among stakeholders in integration with other policies, and addresses such challenges as the fragmented organizational structures anddemographic shifts in rural areas.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The technologies mentioned in the Strategy include digital tools and platforms targeting specifically the agri-food and forestry sector and rural areas, advanced data analytics in support of informed decision-making, digital connectivity solutions to bridge urban-rural divides, and tailored business models that leverage IoT, Big data, blockchain and AI technologies. Big data and open data are also mentioned as part of the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN) organization’s plans.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The Strategy directly supports the Spanish public sector and its key target groups, namely farmers, forestry operators and rural workers, although the EU is also a key target as the Strategy brings the agricultural policies of Spain into alignment with those of the EU. The document also serves a diverse range of other users, including academia and research institutions, civil society organizations, farm advisors, and stakeholders in the food, forestry and farming sectors.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The overall goal of the Strategy is to provide cross-cutting support to the achievement of Spain’s National and European agricultural policy objectives, including creating quality jobs in the agri-food and forestry sectors in support of the rural economy, developing new business models in rural areas that make use of digital technologies, increasing access to markets for rural farmers, improving farm productivity through data-driven decision-making and enhancing the economic sustainability of smallholder farmers. The Strategy promotes the creation of tailored advisory services and training programmes designed to bolster the skills and knowledge of smallholder farmers.
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better environment
