The potential of digital technology to accelerate the agro-ecological transition

Exploring the link between digital technology and agroecology

This symposium, proposed at SIVAL 2025 by VEGEPOLYS VALLEY, highlighted the growing role of digital tools in the agroecological transition. Various speakers stressed the importance of understanding agroecology in three main dimensions: a scientific discipline, a set of practices and a social movement. The evolution of agriculture towards a more sustainable system requires better management of natural resources and a balance between productivity and sustainability. Digital technology, through measurement and decision-making tools, plays a key role in this transformation.

European projects such as Path2DEA were presented to demonstrate how digital technology can support agroecology. Emphasis was placed on the need to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and collaborative platforms to help producers optimize their practices. Several researchers cited studies demonstrating that agroecology is based on fundamental principles such as crop diversification, soil management and biodiversity preservation. By integrating appropriate digital solutions, it becomes possible to increase the efficiency of agroecological practices while limiting environmental impacts.

Digital tools and feedback from producers

Concrete examples of digital platforms and applications were highlighted to illustrate the adoption of technological tools by farmers. VEGEPOLYS VALLEY's initiative to create an inventory of digital solutions dedicated to agroecology identified 41 promising tools from the cluster's networks and LA FERME DIGITALE. These solutions cover various aspects of farm management, from optimizing inputs to improving crop monitoring.

Feedback from European farmers gave us a better understanding of how digital technology is perceived and adopted. A detailed analysis of usage revealed that communication, crop monitoring and resource management tools were the most popular. However, several obstacles to their adoption were identified: high cost, lack of training and complexity of interfaces. More needs to be done to improve the accessibility and interoperability of these tools, so that they can fully contribute to the agro-ecological transition.

Digital challenges and opportunities in agro-ecology

At this round table, speakers discussed the economic and environmental implications of digital technologies. One of the main issues raised was the governance and confidentiality of agricultural data. Without clear structuring and interoperability between different platforms, data sharing remains limited. Several speakers called for the creation of accessible digital commons to maximize the positive impact of these solutions in the field.

In addition to data management, another key issue is supporting farmers in using the new technologies. Initiatives have emerged to offer tailored training courses, including formats such as serious games and micro-learning. Finally, the role of digital technology in improving product traceability was also highlighted, as in the case of the Monagriculteur.coop initiative supported by Terrena. These tools promote greater transparency and enable producers to promote their approach to consumers.

With : Damien Cariou, CEO SYNDEV - Alexander WEIZEL, European Project ISARA - Nicolas MINARY, Manager Landfiles - Vincent LEVAVASSEUR, Manager CNA - Bertrand PINEL, European Project Terrena Innovation - Jérôme LEROY, Manager LA FERME DIGITALE - Anne DUVAL, Responsable Technique et Réglementaire ALLIANCE BIOCONTRÔLE - Emeline DEFOSSEZ, CDM innovation VEGEPOLYS VALLEY - Clémence MONOT, CDM projet VEGEPOLYS VALLEY - Vincent DAUBY, Researcher / Teacher - AGROECOLOGY EUROPE - Giovanni PECCHIONI, GROUP OF AGROECOLOGY SCUOLA SUPERIORE SANT ANNA PISA