22 de January de 2026
Cambio climático y gestión de recursos naturales
Calidad y cadena alimentaria
Resiliencia y competitividad
A study by the European Economic and Social Committee shows how digital transformation opens up opportunities, but also poses risks of territorial and labor inequality.
- A study by the European Economic and Social Committee shows how digital transformation opens up opportunities, but also poses risks of territorial and labor inequality.
- The adoption of digital technologies is progressing in the European agricultural sector, with environmental, social and economic impacts.
Digitalization is becoming a key driver for transforming the European agricultural sector, making it more profitable, sustainable, and better prepared to adapt to the climate transition. In a context of pressure on natural resources and structural challenges facing rural areas, digital tools offer new opportunities to improve farm management and strengthen their long-term viability.
In line with recent analyses of the level of digitalization in European agriculture , a new study by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) examines the role of digital technology in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and strengthening rural communities. The report emphasizes that while digitalization offers clear benefits, its impact will depend on how the transition is managed and the support provided to the various stakeholders in the sector.
Improvements
The study highlights that digitalization can significantly contribute to more sustainable agriculture, especially through more precise management of resources and production processes. Among the main environmental effects noted are:
More efficient use of fertilizers, pesticides and water thanks to precision agriculture.
Optimization of energy and fuel consumption through automated machinery and guided systems.
Improved health and production control in crops and livestock through sensors and real-time data.
Reduction of emissions per unit produced by increasing the efficiency of farms.
These technologies allow agricultural practices to be adapted to the specific conditions of each farm, reducing waste and limiting negative impacts on soil, water and climate.
Changes in rural employment
Digitalization is transforming not only production methods but also the structure of employment in rural areas. The EESC study indicates that the incorporation of digital technologies and automated systems is modifying the professional profile demanded in agriculture and livestock farming, with direct consequences for rural labor markets.
On the one hand, the automation of certain tasks reduces the need for low-skilled labor, especially in more technologically advanced operations. On the other hand, it increases the demand for professionals capable of using digital tools, interpreting data, and maintaining technological systems. This process generates new job opportunities , but it also poses risks of exclusion for those without training or access to education, exacerbating potential social inequalities if not accompanied by active training and support policies.
Inequalities in accessibility
One of the main challenges identified in the report is the uneven adoption of digital technologies within the European agricultural sector. Larger farms with greater financial resources tend to incorporate advanced solutions sooner, while smaller farms face more difficulties. Factors explaining this gap include:
High initial investment costs in digital technologies.
Unequal access to digital connectivity and broadband in rural areas.
Lack of specific training .
Difficulties in accessing financing.
The study warns that, without corrective measures, this situation could lead to a structural gap that limits the territorial and social cohesion of rural areas.
Data management
Managing the data generated by farms is another key aspect analyzed. Although digitization implies an increasing collection of information, data sharing remains limited and selective. The sector's main concerns focus on:
The lack of clarity regarding the ownership and use of agricultural data.
The risk of dependence on large technology providers.
The limited interoperability between digital platforms.
The need for greater transparency and control by farmers.
The EESC stresses that strengthening data governance frameworks is essential to building trust, protecting the sovereignty of producers and ensuring a balanced digital transition.
Inclusive transition
Based on the analysis of several case studies in different Member States, the report puts forward a series of recommendations for how digitalization can contribute to the environmental sustainability and social resilience of rural areas. The main proposals are:
Invest in rural digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Promote training and support programs adapted to small farms and young people.
Design aid and financing mechanisms tailored to local realities.
Establish clear and transparent data governance frameworks.
Promote cooperative models and shared access to digital technologies.