The SmartAgriHubs website recently underwent an update to better address the specificities of each of our agricultural sectors, and the Digital Innovation Hubs therein. 

While we previously combined dairy and animal production in our sector livestock, we decided to dedicate an individual sectoral page to each. This will help to put the focus on the various smart farming techniques applied and their objectives, which at times are significantly different. We have also added an entirely new sector focusing on Novel Foods. Let us briefly summarise the focus of each for you. Of course, we also suggest you visit our website for more detailed information.  

Milk is produced in all European countries, resulting in a milk production of around 155 million tonnes per year, making the EU is the world’s largest exporter of cheese and skimmed milk powder. The sector is rapidly adopting new technological solutions that offer decision support to optimise productivity through enhanced levels of fertility while improving animal welfare. This adoption is crucial to decrease the environmental impact and at the same time create more value in the dairy industry to meet the increasing demand for healthy products. Animal production on the other hand, accounts for almost 25% of the total EU agricultural output. While the demand for animal products is high, the EU has highlighted animal health, animal wellbeing, food safety, reduced carbon and methane emissions as current challenges. To tackle these challenges, Digital Innovation Hubs use technology to create a more efficient and more sustainable livestock sector.

We also introduced an entire segment dedicated to novel foods to highlight the work SmartAgriHubs and its Digital Innovation Hubs are carrying out in this rather new agricultural sector. Novel Foods or ingredients have no history of consumption inside the EU to a significant degree before May 1997. It can be newly developed, innovative food derived from new technologies and production processes. Novel Foods’ safety is scientifically evaluated and at the same time they must not mislead the consumer or be nutritionally disadvantageous for them. However, exotic fruit and vegetables, which have a long history of safe use outside the EU, currently fall within the definition of a Novel Food. As a consequence, each of these food products must also undergo a safety assessment prior to being marketed. Examples also include probiotics or the enrichment with micro- and macronutrients, called food fortification or nutrification.

To showcase the SmartAgriHubs project and its wonderful ecosystem, a printed brochure is on the way. This brochure will explain the extent and the goals of the project. It will also showcase forty-nine Digital Innovation Hubs and the services they provide.  

It tells the stories of these DIHs, and how they have teamed up with Competence Centres to tackle challenges all over the agri-food sector of Europe. Read about the smart, digital solutions that are being developed as you read this.  

The brochure will also feature new products such as the Agricultural Technology Navigator (ATN) which allows Competence Centres to showcase their technological solutions and systems on the innovation Portal of SmartAgriHubs. They will even be able to upload demonstration images and videos to do so! 

Another new element of the Innovation Portal, that will be featured for the first time in the brochure, is the Observatory. This will be a key instrument to expand and connect the network of DIHs throughout Europe. The SAH DIH Observatory design is composed of a large set of functionalities and resources, which are currently under technical development. It is expected  that this tool will be available and accessible to all DIHs on the Innovation Portal in 2021. Be the first to read about this exciting new tool in our brochure!  

Lastly, you will also be able to read about the SmartAgriHubs Innovation Services Maturity Model (ISMM). A concept, accompanied by a practical tool, that allows DIHs to assess the development of the technology, business and ecosystem services they provide to the ecosystem. 

A lot of exciting news and information, so be sure to keep an eye out for this exceptional brochure!