The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirms its commitment to training, innovation and digitalization of the agri-food sector

The Spanish agri-food sector is experiencing a key moment of transformation driven by digitalisation and the incorporation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) is coordinating its efforts to accelerate this change through a series of initiatives that promote training, advice and the use of technological tools, all with the aim of improving the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.

Training and advice: keys to inclusive agriculture

At the 9th National Meeting of Agripoolers, the Director General of Rural Development, Innovation and Agri-Food Training, Isabel Bombal, stressed that “training, advice and the exchange of knowledge and ideas are three fundamental elements to promote more just and inclusive societies”. These words highlight the MAPA's focus on training professionals in the sector, so that they can face current challenges, aligning themselves with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and promoting family farming as a driver of equitable development.

Artificial intelligence: pillar of the dual green and digital transition

The ministry's commitment is not limited to training, but also to the integration of technology into the agri-food value chain. At the 2nd International Congress on Artificial Intelligence Applied to the Agri-Food Chain, held in Córdoba on September 19, Bombal highlighted AI as a key tool for decision-making. The general director explained that this technology not only improves the profitability of farms, but also their efficiency and sustainability, directly contributing to the double green and digital transition.

III Action Plan for the digitalization of the agri-food and rural sector

These statements reinforce the role of AI as a pillar in the sector's digitalisation strategy, launched in 2019 and currently under development with its III Action Plan. This plan continues to support the incorporation of new technologies in the agri-food sector to improve its competitiveness and sustainability.

Digitalisation as a driver of competitiveness and sustainability

For her part, Ana Rodríguez Castaño, Secretary General of Agricultural Resources and Food Safety, has valued the importance of digital transformation in improving the competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food sector at a recent conference on digitalisation and the use of technical-economic information networks for agricultural and livestock farms. The information systems and networks developed by the ministry were presented, as well as various initiatives in the use of data, both national and international, to promote the digitalisation of the agricultural sector.

Key tools for digitalisation: the digital notebook and data networks

During his speech, Rodríguez Castaño highlighted the implementation of tools such as the digital farm notebook, which facilitates management and decision-making for both producers and public administrations. Initiatives such as TECO, RECAN and RECREA networks, promoted by the ministry, allow the collection and analysis of data on agricultural and livestock farms, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable management.

International initiatives in support of the data economy

The day also featured presentations of initiatives supported by the European Commission to promote the data economy, such as sectoral data spaces and the GAIA X project, as well as the work of the ISO 347 International Technical Committee to develop a voluntary standard on data in agri-food systems.

Innovation and sustainability: pillars of the future of the agri-food industry

In short, MAPA's efforts to accelerate digitalisation and training in the agri-food sector not only respond to the sector's immediate needs, but also look to the future, promoting innovation and long-term sustainability.