June 21, 2017

This meeting aims to serve as a platform for debate on digitalization applied to agriculture, with the goal of engaging operational groups that drive projects in this innovative field.

The concept of digitalization is being developed in the field of innovation as a future model for agriculture. This initiative will highlight the paradigm shift in agriculture, where qualified training is increasingly required and is becoming an increasingly attractive activity for young people due to its close relationship with new technologies.

The Agri Innovation Summit 2017 (AIS 2017) has set three objectives on its agenda:

1. Promote contacts and alliances between multi-stakeholder innovation initiatives, both within the framework of rural development programs and Horizon 2020

2. Raise awareness of the opportunities for innovation and digitalization in agriculture and rural economies and how these can be supported in ongoing rural development programs.

3. Provide input for EU innovation policies in agriculture and rural areas after 2020, as outlined in point 7 of the Cork 2.0 Declaration .

AIS 2017 is a joint initiative of the Portuguese government, the EIP-AGRI network , and the European Network for Rural Development . The event is expected to bring together more than 500 farmers, rural businesses, start-ups, rural development program management authorities, national rural networks, researchers, advisors, and NGOs from across the European Union.