The first National Workshop of the DIGI-Rangeland project in Bulgaria was held online on 29 October 2025. The event brought together a diverse group of local stakeholders, including livestock and rangeland farmers, advisors, researchers, public authorities, farmers’ associations, and NGOs working with grazing livestock systems.

The first part of the workshop focused on identifying and prioritizing the main challenges and needs faced by farmers and advisors in managing extensive livestock and rangeland systems. Participants highlighted the following key needs related to the use of digital tools:

• Pasture and grazing management
• Herd management on pastures, including ensuring animal security, as well as remote observation and tracking
• Grassland quality management to improve vegetation cover and composition
• Prevention of attacks by wild animals (e.g., bears and wolves)
• Environmental monitoring and early warning systems (e.g., drought, excessive moisture, storms, heat)

The second part of the workshop focused on identifying the main barriers to the adoption of Digital and Technological Innovations (DTI).

The key barriers identified include:

• Limited signal coverage in grazing areas, restricting the use of digital devices
• Inadequate digital infrastructure
• Limited knowledge of new technologies and their potential applications
• Low awareness of available DTI solutions
• Insufficient training and support for developing digital skills
• Complexity of administrative procedures and digital platforms
• Incompatibility with existing tools and practices