Research project Horizon 2020 ERA-NET Cofund ICT-enabled agri-food systems

General introduction

ICT-AGRI-FOOD has accelerated the digitalization of agriculture and food in Europe by funding and connecting 42 research and innovation projects focused on data, AI, and automation. The European partnership brought together funding bodies, researchers, and other stakeholders to develop smart, sustainable, and transparent production systems. Through four joint calls, the program created a clear framework for research into digital solutions across the entire agri-food chain. ILVO took the lead in communication and dissemination, ensuring that the objectives, projects, and results were widely visible. The project has been completed, but the online information remains available as a reference for anyone who wants to know what has been achieved and what impact it has had.

Research approach

ICT-AGRI-FOOD combined transnational research calls with thematic projects and coordination activities around data infrastructures and digitalization. The 42 funded projects were selected based on scientific quality, innovation potential, and societal relevance, with an emphasis on smart agriculture, more efficient use of resources, and better traceability. ILVO developed and implemented the communication strategy, organized outreach events, and supported the partners in making their results visible. Through workshops, roadmaps, monitoring, and evaluation, the network built a shared knowledge base and a stronger European ecosystem around digital agriculture. All of this promoted cooperation between countries and disciplines and helped to scale up successful solutions for practical application and policy.

Relevance/Valorization

ICT-AGRI-FOOD delivered concrete added value for farmers, businesses, technology suppliers, and policymakers. The projects contributed to more sustainable production, improved traceability, more efficient use of resources, and greater resilience of the agri-food chain. International cooperation reduced the fragmentation of research efforts and strengthened Europe's position as a reference in the field of digital agriculture. The results remain available on the website and serve as a starting point for new initiatives. The knowledge and methodologies developed also formed an important basis for subsequent European collaborations, such as the Agriculture of Data Partnership, which further incorporated the insights gained from ICT-AGRI-FOOD.