Factsheet - EU CAP Network seminar ‘Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in farming and forestry’

The integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly essential for addressing challenges in agriculture and forestry, such as labour shortages, environmental sustainability, and climate change. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports the adoption of innovative technologies to boost productivity and sustainability across these sectors.

The EU CAP Network seminar ‘Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in farming and forestry’ took place in Utrecht, Netherlands, on 19-20 February 2025.

It brought together farmers, foresters, researchers, advisors, and representatives from managing authorities, national CAP Networks, farmers' and foresters' organisations, as well as EU-funded projects.

It highlighted the growing role of AI and robotics in transforming agriculture and forestry. Participants explored cutting-edge technologies, new business models, and practical applications - from precision farming and automated harvesting to livestock monitoring and forestry robots.

The programme included technology demonstrations of autonomous machinery, AI-driven analytics, and robotic harvesting systems. Field visits showcased AI and robotics in livestock, fruit cultivation, horticulture, and forestry management.

The seminar emphasised the importance of strategic funding, collaborative innovation, and enabling policies to ensure AI and robotics deliver tangible benefits for farmers, foresters, and the wider agri-food system.

Key takeaways include the need for user-centred, cost-effective AI and robotics that integrate into real workflows, with farmers as co-creators. Cross-sector collaboration, targeted training, and trust-building are essential to support adoption. Future efforts should deepen end-user involvement, align EU and national programmes, and harmonise rules on data, autonomy and safety. Structured funding is also needed across the full innovation cycle. With the right mix of policy, investment and education, AI and robotics can become key drivers of a sustainable and resilient agri-food and forestry system.

Download the factsheet to explore the main insights, outcomes and opportunities shared during the seminar, research priorities, examples of cutting-edge robotics and AI in use today.