In the presence of producers, journalists and representatives of the Consumer Brand initiative, an informative event – open day was held on Friday, June 17, in Messinia for the promotion of local potato products, within the framework of the H2020 Ploutos project. NEUROPUBLIC, a technological partner of the pilot project and the project in general, actively participated in the event.

Specifically, the event started with a visit to a farm in the region of Messina for the presentation of the gaiasense smart farming system infrastructure, while it continued with an analysis of the potential of smart farming in potato cultivation to optimize production and reduce the environmental footprint through the rational application of inputs (water, fertilizers, pesticides). Costas Mihos from NEUROPUBLIC spoke about the role of the gaiasense system applied in Messinia, as well as the general benefits that arise from the utilization of the project for the producer and for the entire agri-food chain and, consequently, for consumers.

The presentation was concluded with questions from the audience and then the participants had the opportunity to taste the local potatoes and more. Several of them were extremely satisfied with the results of the project so far, and expressed the hope that smart farming will be adopted by the majority of the farming community in the coming years as “good practice for better yields at lower costs”.

A few words about the Ploutos project

Ploutos is a funded European project that aims to balance the agri-food value chain so that it works for the benefit of society and the environment. The project consists of 11 pilots in 13 countries, through 24 value chains (frozen fruit, arable crops, pasta, vegetables, livestock, gastronomic tourism, vegetables, agri-tourism, wine, fruit, etc.). Its main objectives are to reduce the environmental footprint, support smallholder farmers, empower consumers, improve soil health and carbon farming, reduce food waste and develop payments for ecosystem services.

NEUROPUBLIC IT and Technology Company is the technology partner of the project.