Explore Official Dialogue Feedback

From the main Policymaker perspectives, it was realized that the main focus point of the Dialogue, and that is preventing and fighting food waste, requires collaboration that should be initiated from the top (local authority) and connect all main stakeholders within the City limits that are working in the area regarding environmental protection and waste management, as well as channelling educative materials and tools towards the public, educations systems and spreading and sharing the acquired knowledge towards other cities and regions. Within the cities, we can see separate departments that ... Read moreare already fighting food waste on some level within their work frame, but incorporating all those departments, institutions and other important stakeholders regarding the topic, in one "Working group" that works together on the same goal, is much more efficient path in achieving the goal that we all strive towards, and that is preventing and fighting food waste. Regarding the whole City Food Systems, that project Cities2030 is working on through their Living and Policy Labs, are also facing the same challenges as the initiative mentioned above. They require collaboration and unity of many stakeholders within the City government and municipalities, city institutions and other relevant stakeholders. The weakness in implementing activities important for the entire food system comes from the disconnection of city offices, institutions and all relevant stakeholders important for the food system to function well and to have all its activities under one common item, which is the Food System. The creation of such a prerequisite is crucial for the further development and increase of the efficiency of the production system, short supply chains - distribution chains of delivery and recycling of food, with cities as the bearers of the activity. What was found through this research project, and what showed as correct through the Dialogue discussion between the participants, was the big spectrum of various initiatives, projects and examples of good practices that can thrive if Cities, as holders of Food Systems (when established), are better connected and collaborate in their activities. Being a part of Cities 2030 projects, collaborating with many European countries, on different levels of Food System development, and also connecting with other projects related to food, was the first step in acquiring the necessary knowledge to move forward and start the process of establishing a Food System. Knowledge and key findings in the project gave us the main inputs for the proposal towards our City for the establishment of such systems locally and hopefully to be transferred as a good practice towards the rest of the region and country. Regarding this, we have presented the possibilities, difficulties and possibilities to the rest of the surrounding cities and offered our assistance to start their activities in the right direction. To simplify, we all need access and collaboration between cities, municipalities and Counties so we can be better connected in various initiatives aimed at similar topics in order to work together more efficiently for the same common goals we have at a Country level. As we can see from the dialogue participants, who were mostly policymakers and city representatives, is that we share a common issue with disconnected activities, and signing a Voluntary agreement as one part of the Food System is the right step in a city organization and collaboration between key stakeholders and then also a collaboration between cities, counties and regions. Read less

The Dialogue titled "Food is Not Waste Initiative: Voluntary Agreements with Cities and Counties" yielded several significant conclusions and initiatives aimed at enhancing food system solutions within the City of Velika Gorica. Below are the key findings and agreements that emerged from this Dialogue: Key Findings and Conclusions: Establishment of New Connections: The Dialogue emphasized the importance of establishing new connections between various stakeholders within the food system. This includes food producers, processors, retailers, the hospitality sector, scientific and academic communi... Read moreties, local and regional government units, nonprofit organizations, initiatives, and associations. The collaborative approach is seen as vital for the success of the waste prevention and reduction initiatives. Agreement on Actions and Commitments: A significant outcome of the Dialogue was the Voluntary Agreement titled "Together Against Food Waste," which has garnered a positive reception and commitment from the City of Velika Gorica. This agreement is scheduled to be signed at the final conference of the Cities2030 project in September. The signatories of this agreement voluntarily commit to reducing food waste in their business processes, donating food, and actively communicating with consumers. The comprehensive nature of this agreement covers the entire food chain, from production and processing to household consumption. Exploration of Food Systems: The Dialogue highlighted the need to explore specific aspects of food systems in greater depth, particularly focusing on waste prevention and reduction. The presentation of the Milan Pact on Urban Food Policy and its methodology, as well as its connection to the Cities2030 project, provided valuable insights into effective strategies and policies for urban food systems. Main Initiatives: City's Role in Food System Solutions: The City of Velika Gorica's active role in enhancing food system solutions was a central theme, not only for our city but for all local counties and municipalities. The main initiative was to gather surrounding policymakers and encourage them to embrace this initiative and present all available resources and tools to achieve that goal. The city's involvement in the Horizon2020 research project Cities2030 and its commitment to the Ministry of Agriculture's “Food Is Not Waste” initiative underline its dedication to sustainable food practices. Voluntary Agreement on Waste Prevention and Reduction: The "Together Against Food Waste" agreement involves a broad coalition of stakeholders committing to concerted efforts to reduce food waste. This voluntary agreement stands as a testament to the collective responsibility and shared commitment of diverse actors within the food system. Raising Awareness and Encouraging Collaboration: The Dialogue successfully increased awareness about the importance of signing the Voluntary Agreement and fostered a collaborative spirit among participants. The event served as a platform to encourage dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of preventive activities and surplus food redistribution. Socially Responsible Practices: The agreement and the Dialogue highlight the importance of socially responsible and socially sensitive business practices. By committing to these practices, stakeholders contribute to the broader goal of sustainable and ethical food systems. Overall, the Dialogue underscored the necessity of involving all relevant stakeholders in the fight against food waste and the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve a significant and lasting impact. Read less

The main initiative of the Dialogue "Food is Not Waste Initiative: Voluntary Agreements with Cities and Counties" was the Cities2030 role in enhancing Food System solutions. VE-GO-RA and Inventive Solutions have been actively working on establishing a food system in the city of Velika Gorica for the past three years as part of the Horizon2020 research project Cities2030. Recognizing the importance of waste prevention and reduction, we have embraced the Ministry of Agriculture’s initiative “Food Is Not Waste.” As one of the project’s activities, we invited collaborative action through a... Read more Voluntary Agreement, which has already been positively received by our City. The signing of this agreement is scheduled for the final conference of the Cities2030 project in September. The Voluntary Agreement on waste prevention and reduction, titled “Together Against Food Waste,” is signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and representatives from food producers, processors, retailers, hospitality, scientific and academic communities, local and regional government units, nonprofit organizations, initiatives, and associations. Signatories voluntarily commit to efforts to reduce food waste by 30% until 2028 within their business processes, food donation, and active communication with consumers. The agreement encompasses the entire chain of action, from food production and processing to households. Mr. Emil Tuk from the Department of Urban Nutrition of the City of Zagreb and Ms. Gordana Matasin from the Administrative Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Forestry of Zagreb County presented to us the current and future activities and the issues faced by existing signatories. At the conference, Velika Gorica LAB also presented the Milan Urban Policy Pact and its methodology, as well as its connection to the Cities2030 project and the Voluntary Agreement initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture, along with the “Food Is Not Waste” project. We are pleased that participants expressed interest in this event, which aims to increase awareness of signing this agreement, whose primary goal is to prevent and reduce food waste. No plan can succeed without the involvement, connection, and participation of all necessary stakeholders. Therefore, we invited representatives from food producers, processors, retailers, hospitality, scientific and academic communities, local and regional government units, nonprofit organizations, initiatives, associations, and companies to participate in this essential initiative. The purpose of such agreements, including the conference’s goal, was to present and encourage collaboration and dialogue among various stakeholders focused on preventive activities, surplus food redistribution, and all other efforts contributing to the effectiveness of waste prevention in the food system. The agreement also represents a contribution to socially responsible and socially sensitive business practices by stakeholders, particularly the local government. Read less

Ownership vs. Lease: Discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of land ownership versus leasing, particularly in relation to agricultural viability and sustainability. Role of Organizations (TDL, SAFER, Metropolitan Area): Varied perspectives on the effectiveness and limitations of organizations such as Terre de Liens (TDL), Société d'aménagement foncier et d'établissement rural (SAFER), and the Metropolitan Area in addressing land access and agricultural development. Land Use Policies (Zoning, Land Preservation): Debate over the impact and effectiveness of zoning regulations, ... Read moreparticularly Agricultural Protection Zones (ZAP), and land preservation policies in facilitating or hindering agricultural activities and land access. Government Intervention and Support: Discussion on the role of government intervention and support, including the provision of subsidies, technical assistance, and regulatory frameworks, in promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing land access challenges. Financial Constraints and Economic Viability: Diverging opinions on the financial constraints faced by agricultural projects, including the affordability of land, access to funding, and economic viability in the context of sustainable agriculture. Community Engagement and Collaboration: Varying perspectives on the importance and effectiveness of community engagement, collaboration with local authorities, and collective action in addressing land access issues and promoting agricultural sustainability. Policy Implementation Challenges: Debate surrounding the challenges and obstacles in implementing land use policies, including bureaucratic delays, political considerations, and conflicts between different stakeholders' interests. Local Food Systems and Food Sovereignty: Discussion on the significance of local food systems, food sovereignty, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture in addressing food security concerns and reducing dependency on imported goods. Innovations and Solutions: Exploration of innovative solutions, such as land-sharing arrangements, alternative land tenure models, and technological advancements, in overcoming land access barriers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Evaluation of Past Projects and Initiatives: Assessment and critique of past projects and initiatives aimed at addressing land access issues, including their successes, failures, and lessons learned for future interventions. Read less

Metropolitan Actions and Initiatives: Inventory of agricultural assets to assess lands for potential cultivation. Completed installations: 5 in Ste. Marthe, 1 in Maussanne (11th arrondissement), and an ongoing project in Barbière near Pennes-Mirabeau and St. Victoret. Planned Installation: 2 agricultural lots totaling 4.5 hectares in Cuges-les-Pins, with calls for applications expected by year-end. Circuit Shortening Efforts: Operation of two producer markets in Plan de Campagne and La Barasse, with plans for a third in Marseille. Future projects include automatic distributors, producer store... Read mores, and markets, including participation in the Provence Agriculture Fair. Upcoming Metropolitan Innovations in Municipal Support and Zoning: Limitations on Zoning: Metropolitan area lacks authority over Agricultural Protection Zones (ZAP), with decisions resting with municipalities. However, the metropolitan area provides advisory opinions. Challenges with ZAPs: Some landowners resist cultivation post-ZAP designation, hoping for future reclassification as buildable land. Future Project: Providing technical expertise to municipalities. Political Obstacles: Political factors may hinder project progress, exemplified by potential zoning changes for housing needs like Parc de l'Etoile. Interacting with the Metropolitan Area in Land Search: Installation Criteria: Emphasis on food production, organic practices, short supply chains, sustainability, and environmental leases. Encouraging Municipal Collaboration: While not considered particularly helpful due to limited metropolitan influence. Participant Highlights: Political Influence Hindering Progress: Participants noted bureaucratic delays and limited available hectares within the metropolitan area. Perception of Installations: Viewed as showcases with limited project depth and insecure land tenure. Importance of Local Food Production: Emphasized the need to improve local food self-sufficiency. Challenges with the Vallon des Douces: Lack of funding for land acquisition, primarily due to structural issues with existing buildings. Additional Remarks: Concerns about agricultural import-export imbalances and the need for local food production. Updates on incubator projects, pending installations, and water reuse initiatives in Cuges-les-Pins. Access to calls for applications through the agricultural chamber network. Read less

Regional Agricultural Land Market Specifics: High Pressure: Agricultural land under pressure due to speculation and urbanization, with significant price discrepancies across regions. Average Prices: French agricultural land averages €6000/ha, whereas in Bouches-du-Rhône (BDR) it's €17,000/ha, with even higher prices in urbanized areas like Marseille (€50,000/ha) and Aubagne (€80,000/ha). Lack of Tools: Limited tools to combat land abandonment, despite considerable land availability. Interacting with SAFER in Land Search: Criteria for Greenlighting a Proposal: Comprehensive proposal, b... Read moreacked by agricultural organizations, realistic business plan, and emphasis on the agricultural project. SAFER Website: Checking weekly for listings and directly contacting SAFER advisors for inquiries. Demands and Suggestions: More Comprehensive Calls for Applications: Request for more detailed information in calls for applications to ease the process for applicants. Emphasizing Eco-Models: Advocating for recognition of diverse eco-agricultural models in urban areas and their viability criteria. Other Remarks: Lack of Preemption Tools for Houses: Highlights the need for tools to preempt houses to prevent urban sprawl. Collaboration with Local Authorities: Acknowledgement of the role of local authorities in zoning and urban planning. Initiatives like Terre de Liens and Terre Adonis: Acknowledgment of their importance in land access and management. The workshop participants emphasized the challenges of land access, high prices, and the need for more effective tools and collaboration to address these issues. Read less

Terre de Liens (TDL) Overview: TDL, a citizen movement established 20 years ago, addresses installation challenges and land access issues, allowing citizens to purchase shares enabling land acquisition to combat urban sprawl. Advantages of Leasing/Stewardship: Leasing and land stewardship, particularly in the region, offer long-term security and regulated rents, providing an alternative to land ownership due to high land prices. Participant Insights on Property Ownership: Participants expressed a desire for property ownership, viewing it as linked to transmission but acknowledged challenges in... Read more practice. TDL's Role in Land Preservation: TDL's citizen engagement is recognized as important in land preservation, providing a viable alternative for acquiring land through SAFER calls for applications. Collective Projects and Benefits: Joining collective initiatives, notably TDL, offers practical experience and knowledge sharing, fostering collaboration and support. Preference for Terre de Liens: Participants favor TDL over similar organizations, recognizing its effectiveness and authenticity. Other Notable Mentions: Mention of companies and associations following TDL's model, and discussions on specific initiatives such as SCIC Terre Adonis and the situation of Vallon des Douces. Overall, the workshop highlighted the significance of TDL's approach in addressing land access challenges and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and collective action. Read less

Difficulty in accessing agricultural land due to land pressure and high land prices in PACA. Young farmers face financial difficulties related to land acquisition and often find themselves primarily working to repay loans. Leasing and land stewardship are considered as interesting alternatives to land purchase, offering long-term security and regulated rents. Terre de Liens, SAFER, and the Aix-Marseille Metropolis are implementing initiatives to facilitate access to agricultural land and promote sustainable practices. Political and administrative obstacles hinder agricultural installation proj... Read moreects and the protection of agricultural land. There is a growing demand for tools to preserve agricultural land, especially in times of land speculation and urbanization. Peasant groceries are seen as promising alternative economic models to support local farmers and promote sustainable food. The importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including associations and public institutions, to address challenges related to land access and food sustainability. Read less

(iv) Other specific theme: Reflection on the challenges related to increasing urbanization and the preservation of agricultural land in urban and peri-urban areas. Discussion on alternative economic models, such as peasant groceries, aimed at supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable food consumption.

Regarding citizen empowerment on this topic the participants had different views: - some pushed for massive citizen mobilization as a necessary and powerful tool to massify change and make it sustainable - some were much more pessimistic about citizen engagement on the biowaste topic, using examples of low engagement regarding selective waste management as cautionary tale

The need to break down barriers has been identified during the dialog : between territories that have merged, between the city and the metropolis, between the 92 cities, between services, between complementary actors. It's much better when the desire to treat this waste comes from citizens and is not the result of external mobilization. But we have to go through it if we want to generalize things, we have to find cores, driving groups for each site, each initiative to build momentum and sustainable change.

faced with the numerical objectives for recycling municipal waste, how do we quantify the this biowaste, how we count the biowaste to include these figures in recycling and not in elimination of waste ? There is a data issue to properly promote the work carried out. the same goes for reducing the use of green waste by wastewater treatment plants (legal obligation) energy recovery is not the best solution, especially in our region with very calcareous soils which need these contributions of green waste to amend the soil Thus we identify the problem of the status of the crushed material which is... Read more considered waste if we dispose of it: this is a problem encountered by the metropolis with its Martigues storage site / Florian was confronted with this problem in terms of advocacy with the ministries in Paris / this has been the subject of consultation for a year and a half, but at present the legal framework poses a problem: it's a policy gap Read less

The notion of biowaste speaks little to citizens. The advantage of bio-waste is that its recovery is directly visible, when it comes to selective sorting there is now distrust (scandal of sorting mixed with the rest, etc.) The problem is obviously financing, whether for selective sorting or for green waste Municipalities must present a food waste and green waste management plan (current diagnosis, courses of action, strong commitment to the operation of composting points) A technical study regarding biowaste is crucial to understand its territory, where the deposits are, the needs... and then ... Read morethe sociological study is also very important to understand its population. Read less

The dialogue put focus on the link between biowaste and urban agriculture in city region food systems (CRFS). With ne French legislation coming into action, field operators need to gain skills and knowledge to implement short circuit use of biowaste in order to create positive and circular impact.

(1)Communication and Knowledge exchange using Technology: During the dialogue, notable observations were made concerning rice representatives' perspectives on channels for accessing agricultural information. The most common channels identified were the internet, Official agricultural sensitization, and cooperative training. It is encouraging to note that, in most cases, representatives found it convenient to establish communication with government officials, industry organizations, and researchers. The majority of representatives expressed the belief that the optimal way to acquire knowledge f... Read morerom researchers, government bodies, and industry associations is through on-site guidance by professionals. In situations where face-to-face communication is not feasible, a consensus among representatives highlighted the utility of the internet, especially WeChat, which is the most popular social networking platform in China, and the use of direct phone call for facilitating communication and contact between farmers and researchers, industry associations, and government organizations. Additionally, most representatives expressed a willingness to learn from farmers in other countries, although language barriers were identified as a limiting factor. (2)Farmers Issues and information needed: In general, representatives highlighted that climate change has exacerbated pests and diseases issues, leading to increased costs for crop managements. They also expressed the need to acquire knowledge about weather, pests and diseases prevention, and to participate in agricultural insurance programs. Beyond climate-related concerns, all representatives raised issues related to high costs of agricultural inputs and labor. To address these challenges, there was a collective desire among representatives for technology training to learn relevant mechanical skills. The goal is to use machinery as a cost-effective alternative to manual labor, aiming to reduce costs associated with agricultural inputs and labor. Read less

In general, representatives of rice farmers from Huanghu Town in the Yuhang District of Hangzhou reached several significant agreements during the dialogue: a) Importance of Government Support: All representatives emphasized the crucial importance of government support and promotion in addressing the challenges they face. This may involve providing more resources, technical supports, and policy measures to tackle challenges such as climate change. b) Direct Contact and Knowledge Sharing: Representatives unanimously expressed a desire to establish direct contact with researchers, government off... Read moreicials, and industry organizations through various means. This reflects their aspiration to gain more knowledge and resources. c) Learning and Cross-Cultural Communication: The participants in our dialogue also expressed a willingness to learn from farmers cultivating other crops, indicating a desire for cross-disciplinary learning. Simultaneously, they acknowledged potential language barriers when communicating with farmers from other countries, which need to be addressed through innovative approaches to facilitate cross-cultural agricultural knowledge exchange. d) Impact of Climate Change: Representatives generally agreed on the impacts of climate change on the rice cultivation process. They believed that more knowledge and skills are needed to address issues related to climate change, such as pest and disease control, weather forecasting knowledge, and participation in agricultural insurance and safety net. This emphasizes the need for climate adaptability and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. e) Government Subsidies and Support: Representatives emphasized their need for government subsidies and supports, highlighting the crucial role of the government in providing economic and policy-level supports. In summary, these findings reveal the common challenges faced by representatives of rice farmers and provide valuable insights for future collaboration and policy formulation. Read less

In this dialogue, we convened representatives of rice farmers from Huanghu Town in the Yuhang District of Hangzhou. The choice of Huanghu Town is significant as it serves as a pilot for the "Future Rural Experimental Zone" in Zhejiang Province, emphasizing a commitment to green development. This aligns seamlessly with the action direction proposed by the United Nations Food Systems Summit, focusing on "promoting production with positive impacts on nature and advancing fair livelihoods." Our overarching goal is to identify the most effective ways to communicate and exchange knowledge with farme... Read morers, understand the most pressing issues that small-scale farmers are facing, and determine their knowledge needs to address these challenges. Therefore, we structured the dialogue into two parts: (1) Communication and knowledge exchange using technology: We aim to transform small-scale farmers into innovators in agricultural production through effective knowledge transfer, positioning them as key participants in the nationwide transformation of the food system. (2) Farmers Issues and information needed: Participants discussed the impact of climate on crop management, yields, and livelihoods. Based on this relevant information, we formulated knowledge requirements tailored to help them address the most urgent challenges they currently face. This not only involves promoting equitable livelihoods but also improves farmlands resilience to shocks, and pressures, enabling farmers to better adapt to changing environments and enhancing the sustainability of their agricultural practices. Read less

From the key experts’ perspective, Macedonian and Balkan agro food sector are moderately prepared to accept and implement modern technologies such as digital agriculture in the context of sustainable food systems. The main identified challenges regarding the widespread adoption of digital technologies are related to the limited awareness, high initial costs, lack of digital literacy among farmers and the lack of adequate digital infrastructure. In relation to the compliance with European Markets and regulations, meeting and maintaining high-quality and safety standards required by the Europe... Read morean market can be challenging for smaller producers; ensuring the traceability of products from farm to table; adapting to environmentally sustainable practices and complying with EU regulations on issues like pesticide use and water management. Common challenges for farmers and donors in overcoming current development bottlenecks in the national and regional agro-food sector are limited access to finance, resistance to adopting new technologies, inadequate rural infrastructure, limited access to markets, policy and regulatory issues, capacity building issues, land ownership, social and gender equity, data and information access. Additionally, biggest challenge among food operators to achieve more rapid technological modernization are investment barriers, regulations related to safety, labeling, and traceability, and tailored solutions. The academia recommends and supports better representation of digital agriculture in higher education programs through interdisciplinary approach: incorporating digital agriculture concepts into existing programs, developing specialized courses or dedicated degrees in precision agriculture or agricultural technology. The impact of digital technologies on young agronomists and farmers is generally positive, empowering them with skills and tools for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. However, overcoming challenges related to technology access and digital literacy is essential for widespread adoption and success. Familiarity with digital agriculture opens doors for young professionals to explore entrepreneurship in agricultural technology startups. Also, digital agriculture supports sustainable farming practices, aligning with the preferences of environmentally conscious consumers. General trends in the use of drone technologies in agriculture are precision agriculture, crop monitoring and management, mapping and surveying, livestock monitoring. Larger, more technologically advanced farms may be more aware of and receptive to these technologies. Farmers are generally willing to invest in technologies that offer tangible benefits such as increased productivity, cost savings, and improved decision-making. The willingness to pay may be influenced by factors such as farm size, available budget, and the perceived return on investment. Additionally, the eco system is not enough fertile and supportive to overcome current challenges in the agro food sector through digital agriculture. The current applicative part of the academia in context of digital technologies in agriculture should be enhanced in order to transfer modern complex knowledge to those that directly work with farmers (advisors), or to the farmers themselves. Young farmers are motivated to delve into digital technologies for agriculture due to their higher awareness of the transformative potential these tools have in enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and overall farm management. While digital technologies bring tremendous value, challenges such as the initial cost of adoption, the need for training, and ensuring data security must be considered. However, the opportunities for increased efficiency, sustainable practices, and improved market competitiveness far outweigh these challenges. The government departments responsible for agriculture, rural development, or technology adoption in the agricultural and food sector are supporting the digital transition of this sector in the region with dedicated programs offering financial incentives, subsidies, or grants but there is still place for improvements in adding new specific measures covering bigger number of beneficiaries with higher amount for support. Read less

The main findings of the Round table 1: Readiness of the agri-food sector in the Balkan region to support technological (digital) transition for sustainability, was to understand the current state of the agro food sector and its capacity to comprehend, accept and implement new technologies that will contribute for compliance to the EU agriculture and improve the business results of the sector. In this round table different stakeholders’ representatives participated: government, tech providers, donors, research and academia. The main outcomes and findings of the discussion suggest that it is ... Read morevery important to understand the real situation in the eco system of the agro food sector in order to develop a reform or a measure to be successful. The solution for technological transition needs to be consistent to the real needs and the technological readiness of those that drive the sector and those that create the enabling environment for the sector. The main findings of the Round table 2: Transforming the Agri-Food Systems - EU vs Balkan (Multi stakeholder perception and approach) was to present the state and the perception of key stakeholders on the operational level of the agro food system. The main representatives from farmers, academia, tech providers, and policy makers as key operational actors in the digital transition participated in the discussion. Through the experience of progressive farmers that use digital technologies in agriculture combined with examples in regional countries such as Slovenia and Croatia, an insight of the level of awareness and the perceptions for the opportunities and challenges of those that are directly involved in the agro food system was generated. The gap between the actual users of modern technologies in agriculture and those that support this process has been definitely present since the transition in the region. Understanding those that implement or support implementation of modern technologies in agriculture, their specific socio economic and behavioral needs is essential for success in digital transition. The specific tech sessions were dedicated to Digital technologies for achieving sustainability principles. Relevant experts from Switzerland, England, Hungary, Greece, Serbia and North Macedonia presented their technological solutions. Digital technologies play a crucial role in achieving sustainability principles by enabling organizations and individuals to monitor, manage, and mitigate their environmental impact, increase resource efficiency, and make informed decisions. Through the implementation of monitoring (remote sensing technologies), decision support (variable-rate technologies (VRT), yield monitoring, DSS, GPS tractor navigation, cloud computing), and communication technologies it’s possible to achieve the cross-cutting agricultural sustainability principles: biomass production; climate change mitigation and adaptation; biodiversity conservation; soil protection and human health. Read less

The main focus of the Dialogue on "Digital Technologies in Sustainable Food Systems" was the role of digital technologies in enhancing the sustainability of food systems. Some of the primary topics of discussion included: Technological Readiness: Assessing the readiness of the agri-food sector to support a technological transition. This involves a multi-stakeholder approach that includes the perspectives of farmers, policymakers, tech providers, advisors, and academia. Comparative Analysis: There was a comparison of agri-food systems between the European Union and the Western Balkans to unders... Read moretand the differences and similarities in terms of digital technology integration and sustainable practices. Digital Technologies in Agriculture: The event explored the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of digital technologies in primary agricultural production and how these technologies can impact sustainable food systems. Stakeholder Perceptions and Approaches: Discussions were held to understand how various stakeholders perceive digital transition and its impact on sustainability. Insights were provided from different perspectives including that of progressive farmers, tech providers, and policymakers. Tech Sessions: Specific sessions focused on how digital technologies contribute to achieving sustainability principles, with examples from Switzerland, England, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Technologies discussed included remote sensing, decision support systems, variable-rate technologies, yield monitoring, and GPS tractor navigation. Read less