The innovative Smart Farming programme is the result of the partnership between Bodossaki Foundation, AB Vassilopoulos and the American Farm School, to support Greek primary production.
The programme introduced new technologies in Greek primary production and is an important step for the development of intelligent agriculture in our country.
With the installation of 12 state-of-the-art telemetry systems in selected areas across the country, producers have access to accurate, real-time, mapped information made directly available on their computers or mobile devices. This enabled them to make informed decisions based on important meteorological and soil parameters. This equipment was further enhanced with appropriate software, to maximise the benefits to local producers.
The areas selected are associated with the production of agricultural products of key significance to the local and national economy. More specifically, the telemetry systems were installed in:
- vineyards in Kavala, Kilkis and Messinia;
- olive groves in Messinia and Chalkidiki;
- kiwi farms in Pieria and the Pinios River delta;
- grazing lands in Elassona and Xanthi, also supporting fodder-producing areas.
In practical terms, the programme benefited directly about 155 farmers, while this number was significantly increased with the addition of indirect beneficiaries, who will have access to an open data platform to be developed and made publicly available.
In what in particular regards the application of smart farming technologies in the cultivation of kiwis and table grapes, this pilot programme forms part of the EU’s S3 interregional high-tech platform, in which 27 regions from all EU Member States participate. The programme’s results will serve as the guide for formulating the European policy in the agricultural sector post-2020, placing Greece at the very centre of developments and offering to Greek farmers a distinct advantage over the other European farmers in these particular fields.
The project won the Gold Prize in the “Partnership with Local Producers” category of the Supermarkets Awards 2019 and the Gold Prize in the “CSR RETAIL STRATEGY” category of the RetailBusiness Awards 2020.
To find out more, please visit the programme’s website, here: http://smartfarminginitiative.gr/
