EU CAP Network workshop ‘Agricultural data for farm-centred decision support systems’

Background information

European agriculture and forestry are increasingly making use of data-driven approaches to improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience in a rapidly changing climatic, environmental, and economic context. Farmers, foresters, and advisors face growing pressure to optimise the use of inputs, adapt to climate change, improve environmental performance, and maintain the economic viability of their businesses. Meeting these challenges requires not only access to innovative technologies, but also the ability to transform data into practical, timely, and actionable decisions.

Large volumes of data are generated from multiple sources, including machinery, sensors, weather stations, satellites, drones, farm management software, geospatial datasets, and market information systems. Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) applications provide additional opportunities to integrate and analyse these diverse data sources, identify patterns, improve predictions, and support more informed management decisions.

Data-driven solutions and decision support systems (DSS) can support more efficient and sustainable management of natural resources. They can help optimise the use of water, nutrients, plant protection products, and energy, while supporting soil health, biodiversity, and climate mitigation and adaptation. Real-time monitoring and adaptive management approaches can also contribute to improving environmental performance and resource efficiency in crop and livestock production and forestry.

However, despite the growing availability of digital tools and data-based services across Europe, their uptake in everyday practice remains uneven. Farmers, foresters, and advisors continue to face challenges related to data quality, interoperability, connectivity, costs, complexity, digital skills, and uncertainty about the practical benefits of available solutions. Data ownership, governance, privacy, and trust are also important considerations for the wider use of data-driven technologies.

This workshop will move beyond technology-focused discussions and focus on how processed data and data-driven DSS can be effectively integrated into everyday farm and forestry practice. Particular attention will be given to farmer- and forester-centred solutions that respond to their needs, fit into existing workflows, and provide clear, practical, and actionable recommendations. The workshop will also explore how data from different sources can be integrated, how interoperability and trusted data exchange can be improved, and what is needed to support the wider uptake of DSS in practice.

Objectives

The overall objective of the workshop is to promote the practical uptake of data-driven digital solutions and DSS in agriculture and forestry. The workshop will showcase and facilitate the exchange of real-life experiences on how farmers, foresters, and advisors can use processed data and DSS to improve decision-making, competitiveness, resource efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. It will also address key barriers to integrating these solutions into everyday practice.

The specific objectives of the workshop are to:

Main target groups

The workshop will bring together approximately 85 participants from across the EU, representing a diverse mix of actors relevant to the workshop topic.

Participants will include: