The MAPAMA (National Institute of Agricultural Research) will launch a new focus group on digitalization and big data in the agri-food and forestry sector, focusing on rural areas. This research group is part of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability ( EIP-AGRI ).

As various recent studies and reports demonstrate, the future of the economy in general depends on digitalization, with digital transformation becoming one of the challenges facing the agri-food and forestry sectors. In the case of agricultural and agri-food industries, the use of technology is essential to maximize crop yields and resource use, increasing productivity and generating a more environmentally friendly and climate-adapted industry. Likewise, the development of a true Food Industry 4.0 that interacts with consumers and offers attractive products and services is essential to continue being leaders in marketing and exports, generating wealth, employment, and added value.

The experts participating in this multidisciplinary focus group will collaborate to explore innovative practical solutions that address problems and opportunities in the sector and rural areas related to digitalization, identify barriers and recommendations, and identify tools and success stories. The focus group will also likely serve as a catalyst for the creation of operational groups in the field of digitalization and big data.

The selected experts will work in collaboration with the focus group coordinator and will be required to prepare a series of documents (approximately 10 pages in length) related to each of the seven challenges identified in the scope of this research group's development:

1. Combating rural depopulation, promoting youth inclusion, and bridging the digital divide.
2. Economic and environmental sustainability through the development of the bioeconomy and the circular economy.
3. Surveillance, early detection of plant and animal health diseases, development of online alert systems, as well as pest and disease treatment.
4. Sustainable forest management and fire prevention, detection and extinction.
5. Equitable distribution of added value throughout the supply chain and alternative marketing channels and promotion of rural development.
6. Globalization and competitiveness in markets.
7. Consumer demands for information and participation in the market offering.

Participation in this focus group will involve attending three meetings (attendance is mandatory) that have been organized as follows: the first will take place on November 23 , the second is scheduled for late January, and the third and final meeting is scheduled for mid-March.

Those interested in participating must fill out the application form for participation as an expert, which can be downloaded at this link. link and send it to idiagri@mapama.es

Application deadline: November 10, 2017