Stakeholder Raising Awareness & Engagement Meeting: Pioneering Digital Transformation in Agriculture

On the 27th of March 2025, the beautiful city of Veria in Greece became the stage for a dynamic meeting that brought together diverse stakeholders from the agricultural sector. Farmers, agricultural consultants, representatives from farmers and industry associations, and DS2 project team members from UTH and CROWNEST SA gathered to explore the future of agriculture through the lens of digital transformation.

CROWNEST SA (left) and UTH (right) representatives at the Stakeholders Workshop in Veria, Greece

The primary goal of the Stakeholder Raising Awareness & Engagement Meeting was to disseminate information about the DS2 project and spark meaningful dialogue about the opportunities and challenges that data spaces present for the agricultural industry. Central to the agenda were the benefits of data sharing and interoperability, with a focus on optimizing agricultural practices such as irrigation, pest control, and supply chain logistics.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome and an introduction to the DS2 project, highlighting its ambitious goals and the transformative potential it holds for the agricultural sector. Participants were intrigued by the presentation on data spaces in agriculture, which showcased practical applications in smart farming and resource management. Discussions then delved into the concerns and needs of stakeholders, touching on key topics such as data privacy, ownership, and the accessibility of digital solutions for non-tech-savvy users.

Agricultural consultants emphasized the significant advantages of integrating real-time data into advisory services, while farmers expressed enthusiasm for technologies that could streamline their day-to-day operations. The meeting underscored the critical need for comprehensive training and support to ensure that farmers and consultants can effectively adopt new technologies.

Engagement and collaboration were at the heart of the meeting. Attendees explored opportunities to contribute to the DS2 project and benefit from its innovative solutions, including demonstrations of potential applications for farm management. The interactive session concluded with a Q&A and open discussion, allowing participants to share feedback and refine the project’s direction.

Key action items were identified during the meeting, including the development of tailored training materials, the initiation of pilot programs to test DS2 solutions in real-world agricultural settings, and the establishment of regular stakeholder meetings for ongoing engagement. These steps are vital for maintaining momentum and ensuring the successful integration of data spaces into agricultural practices.

By fostering dialogue and collaboration among primary production stakeholders, the meeting laid the groundwork for a brighter, more connected future in agriculture. As the DS2 project moves forward, continuous engagement and practical demonstrations will remain integral to maximizing the benefits of data spaces and driving the digital transformation of the agricultural sector.