The European context

It is a fact that climate change and the degradation of the environment are a reality that seriously concerns the states of Europe and the rest of the world. In this context, the European Union intends to address these challenges through the European Green Deal, which aspires over time to transform not only the economy but also society itself.

Specifically, with regard to the agri-food sector, the EU proposes the implementation of a new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with an environmental label and purpose not only to protect citizens, animals and the environment, security of supply, nutrition and quality, but also the transition to a sustainable food system that will deliver environmental, health and social benefits, while offering a fairer economic benefit.

The Green Deal is moving towards a modern, innovative and sustainable production model. The goal is to make production management more environmentally friendly and more rational in terms of natural resources (soil, water). At the same time, unnecessary cultivation interventions in crop protection and nutrition (fertilization) will be avoided. The use of pesticides and fertilizers will be reduced, so that only the necessary chemical interventions are carried out as and when deemed necessary. It is characteristic that the new EU targets envisage a reduction in the use of pesticides by 50% and synthetic fertilizers by 20% by 2030.

The response to the challenges of the Green Deal

The answer to the challenge of the green transformation of society and, in particular, of agricultural production clearly goes through digitization; that is why the EU connects the two concepts through a series of actions aimed at mobilizing governments, businesses, but also the producers themselves.

Consequently, it is clear that the role of smart farming is pivotal and a one-way street for agricultural production, as it goes hand in hand with the transition to the digital age. Smart farming uses modern technologies and scientific knowledge in such a way as to help the farmer make better decisions about his production.

In fact, its application on farms helps to reduce costs and unnecessary losses of resources, reduces the impact of agriculture on the environment and climate, improves productivity and competitiveness and increases the quality of products while at the same time guaranteeing their safety. In two words, it has a significant economic and environmental benefit for Greek – and not only – farmers.

What is smart farming

Smart agriculture is an integrated approach to managing agricultural activity. It can bring a significant reduction in costs as well as a great qualitative and quantitative improvement in agricultural production.
Intelligent farming systems like gaiasense are based on the collection and processing of digital data related to the soil, water, atmosphere and plants of each crop. Thus, by combining many different sources of data collection and in combination with scientific information, they can reliably and accurately advise all those involved in the primary sector.

Digital solutions such as smart agriculture not only have the potential to contribute to the sustainability of agricultural systems from an economic, social and environmental point of view, but can also contribute to the fight against climate change.

Simply put, smart agriculture leverages modern technologies and scientific knowledge in a way that allows the farmer to make better production decisions, benefiting both his pocket and the environment.

Transition to smart farming: The benefits for the farmer

Smart farming systems, such as gaiasense, have been successfully applied in recent years and are constantly being developed for different crops and regions not only in Greece, but also in the EU, since, after all, they are a recognized innovation and good practice in the context of the efforts made to European level for the digital transformation of the primary sector.

The transition to smart farming helps to boost agricultural income by reducing production costs, managing risks more effectively, increasing productivity and quality, and reducing the environmental-climate footprint of production.

Thanks to smart farming, the producer knows on a constant basis and in real time the needs of his crop, i.e. he knows at all times how much, when and what his production needs and thus the decisions he makes are more correct and accurate without unnecessary interventions. Result; Economy, but also more and better products with added value and higher remuneration than the market because of their “environmental identity”.