DIGI-Rangeland project kicks off in Scotland with successful partner meeting and training sessions
The Horizon Europe project DIGI-Rangeland officially launched with its Kick-off Meeting and National Facilitators (NF) Training, held from 25th to 28th February 2025 at the University of Stirling, Scotland. The events gathered over 40 participants from 10 partner countries, marking the beginning of a four-year collaboration focused on driving digital innovation in rangeland livestock farming systems (RLFS) across Europe.
Over the first two days, partners engaged in working sessions to review the project’s objectives, activities, and work plan. Discussions focused on building a shared understanding of the multi-actor approach, establishing national hubs, and coordinating the co-creation of digital solutions with local stakeholders.
On February 26th, the consortium visited SRUC’s experimental hill farm in Kirkton, where they explored cutting-edge technologies being tested in the meat sheep sector, including remote sensing tools and precision livestock systems. In the afternoon, partners joined a workshop with Scottish farmers and regional stakeholders, who shared their challenges and perspectives on digital transformation in rangeland systems.
The final part of the week was dedicated to the National Facilitators’ training, where representatives from each country received targeted guidance on their role in supporting local innovation hubs, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring the flow of knowledge within and across regions. Team-building activities also helped strengthen collaboration across the consortium.
DIGI-Rangeland is coordinated by the Institut de l’Élevage – IDELE (France) and brings together a diverse and multidisciplinary consortium of 12 organisations and 1 associated partner from across Europe: Institut national d’enseignement supérieur pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement – AGRO (France), Fundatia ADEPT Transilvania (Romania), Democritus University of Thrace – DUTH (Greece), Fundación Empresa Universidad Gallega – FEUGA (Spain), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela – USC (Spain), Mreza Savjetodavnih Sluzbi Jugoistočne Europe – SEASN (Croatia), Kmetijsko Gozdarska Zbornica Slovenije – CAFS (Slovenia), Society for Territorial and Environmental Prosperity – STEP (Bulgaria), Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands – LBHI (Iceland), Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research – NIBIO (Norway), Scotland’s Rural College – SRUC (United Kingdom), and AGRIDEA (Switzerland) as an associated partner.
DIGI-Rangeland (EU Grant Agreement No. 101183132 and SERI Grant No. 24.00530), aims to identify and promote practical, data-driven solutions tailored to rangeland farming realities. The project is funded by the EU and SERI with a contribution of nearly €3 million and will run until January 2029.
