Digital Agriculture Strategy of Hungary (DAS)
Enhanced profitability of agricultural production through digitalization
Description
Hungary's Digital Agriculture Strategy (DAS) was adopted in 2019 as an important component of Hungary’s Food Industry Concept 2017–2050. The strategy sought to enhance the profitability of agricultural production through the analysis of collected data, automation and the efficient use of resources, with three main targets: the development and digitization of precision farming, improved agricultural decision-making through the use of new technologies, and the development of product pathways involving digital solutions. The strategy also envisaged the improvement of digital skills among farmers through the Digital Agricultural Academy, Digital Village Programme and advisory systems.
Technology
DAS promotes the adoption of a suite of digital technologies, including such e-learning platforms as the free access “Digital area development executive” webinar course, e-commerce platforms such as the Digital Producer Market (Közért+), and online platforms providing e-government services to farmers and the inhabitants of rural areas. The other initiatives promoted by DAS include: free access to as many central databases as possible for farmers, simplifying reporting to the Hungarian authorities and the European Union and speeding up decision-making processes; promotion of precision farming technologies such as sensors and data analytics used to gather and process detailed information on crop and livestock conditions through the use of automation and robotics in agricultural operations; and real-time digital production tracking, facilitating better decision-making.
Target
The main targets of the strategy have been rural communities, food sector actors, farm advisors and farmers engaged in digital practices. The strategy addressed both large- and medium-sized farms that make use of advanced technologies to enhance productivity, as well as smallholder farmers who gained access to digital tools and advisory services. The private sector developed and provided digital solutions, while the public sector supported the strategy through policies and regulations. Finally, academia and research institutions contributed to the strategy through the research and development of new agricultural technologies.
Impact
The DAS strategy sought to increase productivity and efficiency in agriculture. It was hypothesized that the measures laid out in the strategy would contribute directly to the rural digitalization and the dissemination of digital technology solutions and services among homes, backyard farms, the economy and public life, thus contributing to an improved quality of life in rural areas. The ultimate goals of the strategy were more profitable and sustainable agricultural production, the retention of farmers in the farming sector, and the promotion of agricultural production among the young rural population as a career choice. A review and evaluation of the strategy has been planned with support from the Neumann Technology platform with a view to identifying possible improvements.
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
