Common challenges amongst DIGI-Rangeland partners countries
During the kick-off meeting of the DIGI-Rangeland project held in Scotland in February 2025, project partners were presented with some of the issues faced by Scottish farmers and land-users. Split in 3 groups, the partners (Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland) then reflected on the commonalities and differences with their own countries. Issues around deer and wildlife, as well as problems of depopulation, ageing of farmers, connectivity and digital infrastructure were similar in Spain, France, Iceland, Bulgaria and Greece. Predator problems were more pronounced in Romania, Croatia, France and Spain, with large carnivorous species. Differences were also highlighted. Property ownership (state/town versus private, large estate versus small owners) was different between partner countries, leading to different types of land use management. The scale of Scottish farms was also very different from the other countries, and the intensity of farming was also different across the scale (e.g. Switzerland). Water scarcity was also an issue in most countries, especially those in Southern Europe. However, despite those differences, some solutions showcased by the Scottish hosts were deemed promising by the partners: the use of trial cameras and drones to monitor wildlife and livestock, use of virtual fencing, and animal tracking (with GPS collars). These initial discussions bode well for the rest of the project, where needs will be clearly identified, and digital solutions proposed, enabling the sharing of good practices, digital innovations and ideas amongst the partners.
Additional information
The DIGI-Rangeland project brings together partners from 10 countries, coordinating national networks (France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland), and also disseminating its knowledge within the Balkan network with its Croatian partner. Consult our publications and documents on the project website: https://digirangeland.eu
DIGItal innovation and data technology network for RANGELAND livestock farming systems
Ongoing | 2025-2029
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, United kingdom, Switzerland