INTERREG-SUDOE Agrospace Project: AgroSpace - Space technologies, the driving force of innovation in rural areas

The agricultural sector faces climate challenges, such as droughts, wildfires, and extreme heat waves, as well as the need for more efficient resource management and the implementation of sustainable farming practices. To address these challenges, the digitalization of agriculture, through data collection and processing, fosters informed decision-making based on various complementary technologies. In this context, the use of space technologies is emerging, driving the transformation of the agricultural sector.

To improve the current situation, innovative solutions are proposed, based on best practices, cutting-edge research, and transnational actions using Earth observation imagery and tools, precision agriculture, and space telecommunications. These solutions also focus on fostering interaction and training for stakeholders in both sectors, facilitating joint innovation. The AgroSpace intersectoral strategy will have action plans across three innovation pillars: research, the market, and policy instruments.

And to encourage its adoption, three demonstrators will be implemented: in the improvement of support services to farmers in case of climate emergencies, in the efficient management of agricultural resources of a large winery, and in the validation of a methodology based on open calls to identify agricultural challenges and spatial solutions.

Intersectoral collaboration is limited, and training and awareness-raising activities highlighting its benefits will promote effective and transformative solutions for their transferability to wider territories. Since the most valuable agro-spatial knowledge is dispersed and the number of agricultural actors aware of its value is limited, transnational cooperation is necessary, building existing capacities and facilitating solutions that share resources and promote their adoption in rural areas.

The approach is innovative compared to current inflexible funding systems, and allows for a joint approach to adapting to common challenges that require a multidisciplinary approach, improving employability and social cohesion.