The Launch of the ITU-FAO "Meeting the EU's Digital Agricultura Requirements. A Compendium for Pre-accession Countries", organised as side event to the Regional Forum on Sustainable Developmetn for the UNECE region, will be held online, on 13 March 2024 from 09:00 to 09:30 UCT+1. The event is being organised by the ITU and FAO, in coordination with UNECE.
The European region, encompassing a diverse array of countries and territories, faces the challenge of aligning agricultural practices with evolving digital technologies and European Union (EU) standards. As the EU continues to advance its digital agriculture requirements, pre-accession countries and territories seek guidance on integrating these standards into their agricultural policies, information management systems, and public service provision. The “Meeting the EU's Digital Agriculture Requirements", spearheaded by the ITU Office for Europe and the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, aims to provide a resource for pre-accession countries to aid them with harmonization and modernization.
Digital agriculture holds profound implications for the region's sustainable development, directly impacting SDGs such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9). By embracing digital technologies responsibly, countries can enhance food security, promote economic growth through innovation, and improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices. Against the backdrop of multiple crises, including environmental degradation and economic challenges, the theme of "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Economic Commission for Europe region" underscores the urgency of adopting resilient and innovative solutions in various sectors, including agriculture.
This event aims to launch the “Meeting the EU's Digital Agriculture Requirements. A Compendium for Pre-accession Countries" and disseminate its findings. By providing a framework for stakeholders, including policymakers, academia, agritech companies. the event seeks to foster the responsible and sustainable integration of digital technologies in agriculture. Key outcomes include increased awareness of EU standards, enhanced capacity for aligning agricultural policies, and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders. The results of this event serve as inputs for subsequent cooperation with countries' and discussions and initiatives focused on achieving SDGs related to zero hunger, economic growth, and innovation in the European region.
