On 3 November 2025, the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) organised the 1st National Workshop on the Digital Transition of Extensive Livestock Farming at the Dadía Information Centre of the Hellenic Agency for Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPEKA).
The workshop was part of the European project DIGI-Rangeland, which unites partners from 11 countries to promote the use of digital technologies and innovations (DTI) that enhance the sustainability and resilience of extensive livestock systems across Europe. The event brought together livestock farmers, researchers, advisors, veterinarians, land managers, and representatives from public and private organisations to explore how digital tools can be integrated into daily farming practices. Discussions focused on identifying challenges, needs, and barriers related to the digital transition of the sector, while also seeking ways to bridge the gap between technological innovation and real-world application.
Participants identified three major challenges for the digital transition:
- Climate change and drought,
- Low product prices, and
- High feed costs.
As for the key needs, the top priority identified was access to funding, followed by pasture and grazing management (including road restoration), and support for administrative tasks.
The main barriers were recognised as poor signal and connectivity, the high cost of digital tools, and the lack of available funding or subsidies for adopting innovative technologies.
During the workshop, participants were also introduced to the objectives and structure of DIGI-Rangeland, a thematic network designed to foster knowledge exchange and cooperation among actors involved in extensive livestock farming.
Three main thematic areas of the project were presented:
- Enhancing the management of extensive livestock systems, especially ruminant grazing, through monitoring and decision-support technologies.
- Promoting shared management and use of rangelands among different professional groups to encourage collaboration and sustainable land use.
- Supporting the development of new products and services that can strengthen local economies and rural livelihoods.
A core part of the event was the presentation of the DIGI-Rangeland European Survey, which aims to assess the current level of digital adoption among livestock farmers and identify barriers limiting technological uptake. Participants shared their perspectives and experiences, providing valuable input that will shape future training programmes, policy recommendations, and innovation strategies within the project.
Beyond the formal sessions, the workshop fostered open dialogue and collaboration. Farmers exchanged examples of how digital tools — such as satellite monitoring and mobile applications — can make livestock management more efficient and environmentally friendly, while researchers underlined the importance of adapting technologies to local needs and conditions.
The event’s atmosphere reflected mutual learning and partnership, emphasizing that successful digital transition depends not only on technology but also on trust, communication, and community engagement. As the national coordinator of DIGI-Rangeland, the Democritus University of Thrace reaffirmed its commitment to continue this dialogue through thematic workshops and knowledge-sharing actions across Greece These activities will help build a digitally empowered livestock sector, contributing to the broader goals of green transition, innovation, and rural resilience, in line with the European Green Deal and the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
