This Discussion Paper builds on the findings of the EPC project, “Digitalisation for sustainable and resilient agri-food system”, which was carried out from 2023-2024 with the support of CropLife Europe.
The project looked at the state of play, prospects, and challenges of using data and digital solutions to help make the European food system more sustainable and resilient. It also explored how the EU’s policy and financial framework can support these efforts.
The authors believe that to fully align the agri-food sector with the twin green and digital transition, the EU must, in light of the new politico-institutional cycle, do the following:
- Demonstrate strong political vision and leadership in implementing the existing rules and aligning the agri-food agenda with the Green Deal, with the help of data and digital solutions.
- Establish a functional digital information system for the sustainable agri-food sector, to help farmers producers, retailers, consumers, and public authorities at the EU and national levels contribute to the Green Deal objectives.
- Create a multistakeholder forum to discuss the twin transition in the agri-food sector in an inclusive way, building on the outcomes of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture.
- Use data governance and standards, and financial instruments to speed up the deployment of digital solutions and the uptake of digital skills for sustainable agri-food system.
- Take measures to counter the challenges of digitalisation to the climate, environment, and society at large.
Read the full paper here.