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Agroecology

Digital routes to sustainability in agriculture

Digital technologies offer a broad spectrum of applications in all areas of activity, including agriculture. Digital is an established friend to farming and the food chain. However, as the pace of its expansion increases, so do questions over the types of farming we need and the nature of the digital support they will require. This dossier showcases INRAE’s work to devise digital systems that are truly useful and sustainable in the field.

Published on 24 April 2023

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Digital routes to sustainability in agriculture

The magazine that informs, decodes and gives you food for thought

[Infographics] Digital technology in farming

Digital technology in farming

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To read in this dossier

Digital: a force for farming

Sensors on farm machinery, imaging services, decision support systems (DSS) and robots, discussion platforms and social media tools have populated everyday farming life, while Information technology also shapes the food value chain right through to the customer. Despite their familiarity, the key features of this new digital landscape warrant a closer look.

Closer connections for stong local resilience

Digital has changed how we communicate, introducing new players, reconfiguring networks and transforming the shape of the economic landscape. In the agrifood sector in France, it has strengthened the role of the consumer and allowed new value chains to emerge that serve the community. Analysis.

On track for agroecology

Agroecology offers a framework for adaptation and transition that is well-recognised within the scientific community, not least by INRAE. It has also received the endorsement of the High-Level Panel of experts (HLPE) of the CFS, the Committee on World Food Security, who consider it to provide a viable way forward. France and its European neighbours have made agroecological transition a priority, so what can be done to turn digital technology into a lever and accelerator for the transformation that is needed? Solutions.

Accelerating transition, but not at any cost

Information technology offers unparalleled and renewed opportunities for understanding, action and communication and, as such, can be a formidable lever to accelerate agroecological transition and sustainable food. However, as we move down this route of technological acceleration and change, we need to be alert to certain risks. Overview.

The challenges of expansion

Agriculture has been swept along by the tide of digital acceleration. Together, the expansion of big data, the powers of artificial intelligence and the interests of investors are now embedding digital technologies in farming practice on a wider scale than ever. What can be done to ensure that sustainable agricultural and food systems emerge as winners in this process?

Scientific leads

  • Véronique Bellon-Maurel, Head of INRAE's #DigitAg
  • Xavier Reboud, in charge of the Agroecology and Digital mission at INRAE's Scientific Directorate of Agriculture
  • Thierry Caquet, INRAE's Scientific Director of Environment
  • Christian Huyghe, INRAE's Scientific Director of Agriculture

The sources of this dossier

Read the dossier - Digital routes to sustainability in agriculture
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