Digital farming in practice: From data and artificial intelligence to the field

Digitalisation is becoming an increasingly important part of modern agriculture. New technologies can help farmers make better decisions, use resources more efficiently and improve both the productivity and sustainability of their farms. This is also an important priority of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and across Europe, EU-funded projects are turning digital innovation into practical solutions for farmers. 

Digital solutions for small farms 

Farmtopia aims to make digital farming more accessible to small farms. Farmers, advisers, researchers and technology providers work together to develop affordable digital solutions that respond to the everyday needs of producers. The project contributes to several CAP objectives, including viable farm income, greater competitiveness and productivity, a stronger position for farmers in the value chain, and climate action. It also supports the wider exchange of knowledge and innovation across the agricultural sector. 

Artificial intelligence for better harvest forecasting 

How many strawberries will be ready to harvest in a few weeks? Knowing this in advance can make it much easier to plan labour, production and sales. The project “Strawberry harvest prediction with artificial intelligence and modelling” combines images captured by small drones and cameras with artificial intelligence and forecasting models to estimate future yields more accurately. It is a practical example of how digital tools can help farmers plan ahead and make better-informed decisions. 

Digital tools to protect pear orchards 

Digital technologies can also help farmers detect and manage crop diseases. The project “Tackling pear decline” uses remote sensing, camera images and data collected from orchards to better understand the spread and severity of pear decline. It also looks at the factors behind the disease and possible ways to manage it. These tools could help growers identify problems earlier, improve crop protection and reduce reliance on chemical plant protection products. 

These projects show that digital farming is not simply about bringing more technology into agriculture. It is about developing practical tools that respond to farmers’ needs, whether that means forecasting a harvest, protecting crops or making digital solutions accessible to smaller farms. By supporting research, cooperation and innovation, EU funding is helping agriculture become more modern, competitive and sustainable. 

Looking for more examples or inspiration for new ideas and partnerships? The EU CAP Network project database brings together projects from across Europe, showcasing how digital innovation is being put into practice across the agricultural sector.