Empowering Agriculture: The Digital Farming Hub
The DEMETER project officially concluded on August 31st. Throughout the past four years of dedicated work and effort, it has achieved significant accomplishments in the field of digital agriculture. This success is the result of collaboration among 60 partners and extensive development and validation efforts across more than 20 pilot projects spanning Europe.
With pride, we emphasize that some of these results will continue to thrive through the Digital Farming Hub. The Hub will carry forward the core ideas of the DEMETER Project – facilitating streamlined connections with other stakeholders in the supply chain, facilitating data exchange, and enhancing control over agricultural operations.
The Digital Farming Hub provides access to tools for communication, data exchange, and access to critical information.
– The DEMETER SOCS platform has been successfully replicated, enabling collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collaborative creation among agricultural experts. SOCS offers various possibilities: a knowledge base, discussion options, a blog, and access to the centralized resource catalog – Demeter Enablers Hub (DEH).
– ChatBot, a virtual assistant for agriculture, has been significantly sourced from the abundant reservoir of the DEMETER project database. Through an active collaboration with the experts at the Digital Farming Hub, the database will be continuously enriched. ChatBot is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In addition to these powerful tools, the Digital Farming Hub provides an array of other agricultural services and products. We are particularly thrilled to showcase our agroNET, an all-encompassing farm management platform, within the Hub.
We invite you to explore the Digital Farming Hub and harness the benefits of these cutting-edge solutions.
Join us in shaping the future of agriculture through the Digital Farming Hub!
Read MoreAIMHiGH as an FF4EuroHPC success story
The AIMHiGH project is an experiment that was conducted under the FF4EuroHPC initiative to improve the efficiency and performance of high-performance computing in Europe. The main goal of the engagement was to understand their business challenges and to present an IoT-based poultry farm management solution, supported by a set of sensors for environmental monitoring. The use of HPC and deep learning AI were used to create prediction models that can be deployed on edge devices equipped with camera sensors for use in IoT/AI solutions in the poultry sector.
Several organizations collaborated on the AIMHiGH project. The end-users were the Radinović Company and Meso-Promet Franca, while the University of Donja Gorica, which is part of the NCC Montenegro, provided domain expertise. The ISV for the project was DunavNET, and DigitalSmart provided HPC and AI expertise.
The AIMHiGH project resulted in a new digital farming solution that combines cameras, edge computing, and an IoT platform. The system helped to reduce manual labor costs and chicken mortality rates by 10% and detect disease or abnormalities quicker than before. The technology developed in this project has become a part of the poultryNET platform offering, and there is an opportunity to sell such components to third-party vendors active in the market of smart agriculture solutions.
Overall, the AIMHiGH project demonstrated the potential of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing to develop innovative solutions for the agriculture industry. The project also showcased the benefits of collaboration among different organizations with expertise in various fields.
We invite you to view the video presentation highlighting the AIMHiGH project as one of the success stories of FF4EuroHPC.
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New publication on Botrytis cinerea forecast model
A new paper on Botrytis cinerea forecast modelling has been published in the Journal of Networking and Network Applications (2022). The paper is titled, “Qualitative parameter analysis for Botrytis cinerea forecast modelling using IoT sensor networks’. Botrytis cinerea is a fungus that affects many plant species but attacks wine grapes frequently. The research leading to these results received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 — The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014–2020, under DEMETER.
The authors of the publication are Spasenija Gajinov, Tomo Popović, Dejan Drajić, Nenad Gligorić and Srđan Krčo.
Abstract: This paper provides results of an evaluation of a fungal disease Botrytis cinerea forecast model (Model for Botrytis cinerea appearing) in vineyards for qualitative analysis of parameters that affect the development of the disease by using data from a network of connected sensors (air temperature and relative humidity, rain precipitation, and leaf wetness). The fungal disease model used by agronomists was digitalized and integrated into agroNET, a decision support tool, helping farmers to decide when to apply chemical treatments and which chemicals to use, to ensure the best growing conditions and suppress the growth of Botrytis cinerea. The temperature and humidity contexts are used to detect the risk of the disease occurrence. In this study, the impact of the humidity conditions (relative humidity, rain precipitation, and leaf wetness) is evaluated by assessing how different humidity parameters correlate with the accuracy of the Botrytis cinerea fungi forecast. Each observed parameter has its own threshold that triggers the second step of the disease modelling-risk index based on the temperature. The research showed that for relative humidity, rain precipitation, and leaf wetness measurements, a low-cost relative humidity sensor can detect, on average, 14.61% of cases, a leaf wetness sensor an additional 3.99% of risk cases, and finally, a precipitation sensor can detect an additional 0.59% of risk cases (in the observed period the risk was detected in 19.19% (14.61%+3.99%0.59%) of the time), which gives a guide to farmers how to consider cost effective implementation of sensors to achieve good performance. The use of the proposed model reduced the use of pesticides up to 20%
The full paper is available DOI:10.33969/J-NaNA.2022.020305
Read MorepoultryNET case study video presentation
poultryNET is a cloud-based solution for the digital transformation of poultry farms. It provides real-time observations of the parameters of interest and digitized domain expertise enabling farmers to manage all steps in the broiler production while reducing negative environmental impact and respecting animal wellbeing.
The main features provide complete 24/7 insight into poultry barns from monitoring environmental parameters, daily weight and consumed feed and water, to a biosafety guide, costs/revenue calculator and digital assistant in problem solving. Using the poultryNET the environmental conditions, as well as food and water consumption and prepared feed mixture, could be tailored to specific animal needs and production goals. Increased of energy, optimized food and water consumption and better meat quality are the main benefits.
The poultryNET solution is applicable for broiler farms, parental flocks and laying hens.
Case study
Four years ago, we started cooperation with Agroprodukt Šinković company by implementing our digital farming platform for poultry production on their farm. The collaboration continued within the DEMETER project by expanding solutions and setting a basis for a transparent supply chain.
The Agroprodukt Šinković is a Serbian company focused on raising laying hens, parental flocks and day-old chicks for over 20 years. Their annual production is more than 10 million day-old chickens.
The video briefly presents the poultryNET case study – with case study customer Agroproduct Šinković Farm.
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Veštačka inteligencija u srpskom agraru?
Digitalizacija je postala jedan od pojmova koji se najčešće provlači kroz javni sektor. Od kulture, preko školstva, pa do javne uprave, neophodno je da i poljoprivreda postane jedan od stubova digitalizacije Srbije.
Kao rezultat zajedničke saradnje sa kompanijom Telekom Srbija, na jednom mestu se našli Telekomova infrastruktura i DunavNET – ova ekspertiza u oblasti IoT/ML/AI tehnologija, te je stvorena odlična polazna osnova za unapređenje poljoprivredne proizvodnje digitalizacijom.
Pročitajte više u mts blogu posvećenom temi upotrebe novih tehnologija i digitalizacije u poljoprivredi.
Read MoreDEMETER Open Call 2
The Horizon 2020 project, DEMETER, has announced the launch of its 2nd Open Call, DEPLOY, with a total budget of €740,000 available. DEMETER aims to lead the digital transformation of Europe’s agri-food sector through the rapid adoption of advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, data science and smart farming ensuring the industry’s long-term viability and sustainability.
DEPLOY, the second Open Call in DEMETER, aims to increase the outreach of the DEMETER value proposition by funding small consortia of 2-3 partners for the deployment of new, high-value pilots in the agri-food sector. These pilots will focus on employing DEMETER methodologies and technologies, addressing clear farmers’ needs, with a particular focus on EU geographic regions not represented within DEMETER pilots. This will expand the technological and/or business coverage of the project, towards digitalising and boosting the European agrobusiness sector. European countries not covered by DEMETER pilots are Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Slovakia and Sweden.
Twenty pilot projects are currently running in DEMETER to demonstrate and evaluate how innovations and extended capabilities benefit from the interoperability mechanisms. A wide spectrum of sub-sectors: arable crops, irrigated crops, fruit production and livestock (poultry, dairy, animal welfare) are covered. These pilots can be used as an example for potential applicants to develop similar or different pilots to be funded under DEPLOY.
The new pilots to be funded under the DEMETER Open Call #2 – DEPLOY must address specific farmers’ needs and fit into one or more DEMETER challenges and objectives.
Open Call #2 – DEPLOY will fund consortia composed of two or three:
- micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
- secondary and higher education establishments, research institutes and other not-for profit research entities.
The Open Call closes on the 16th February 2022 at (17.00 CET).
More information on DEPLOY and how to apply is available at www.h2020-demeter.eu/open-call-deploy.
Applications can be made via the F6S platform at www.f6s.com/demeter-open-call-2-deploy/apply
Read MorePigstEYE solution
Within the first ATLAS Demo Day, our product manager Senka Gajinov, presented the PigstEYE, our solution for livestock farm management, exploring the topic of Behavioral Analysis and Management of Livestock.
The first ATLAS Demo Day brought together speakers from the agricultural sector. They explored the benefits of data-driven agriculture using the ATLAS Interoperability Network within a multitude of pilot studies. The event cast light on agricultural challenges and opportunities to overcome these through digital agriculture. It Is organized under the title: “Business Opportunities for Innovative Digital Data-Driven Agriculture”.
PigstEYE is the turnkey IoT/AI solution designed to improve animal welfare on pig farms and improve the overall farm performance. The solution provides pigs’ recognition, calculation of their size, and tracking of their movement. The work done in the PigstEye project will be used as the basis for the creation of a line of animal wellbeing features and features enabling optimization of another process in the value chain. PigstEYE is supported by H2020 ATLAS Project.
The Demo Day was held on November 24, as a virtual event. In case you missed it, you can watch the presentation and learn more about the PigstEYE solution and our involvement in the ATLAS H2020 project here.
Read MoreagroNET in poultry barns
Three years ago, we started cooperation with Agroprodukt Šinković company by implementing our agroNET platform for poultry production on their farm. The cooperation continued within the DEMETER project by expanding solution and setting a basis for a transparent supply chain.
agroNET platform modules for optimizing poultry breeding, both parental flocks and laying hens have been deployed in Agroprodukt’s poultry barns in order to provide real-time insight into environmental conditions and enable animal welfare.
The Agroprodukt Šinković is a Serbian company that has been focused on raising laying hens, parental flocks and day-old chicks for more than 20 years. Their annual production is more than 10 million day-old chickens.
Laslo Šinković, the owner of the company, said: “We are using the agroNET platform for poultry production as a tool for optimization of raising laying hens and parental flocks. The platform brings us 24/7 insight into poultry barns without the need for on-site inspection a few times per day. This allows us to react on time and provide optimal environmental conditions for raising poultry. Additionally, the possibility of comparing our results with technology parameters is very helpful in feed management.”
Future steps will lead to wider cooperation: “We are planning to expand digitization on other parts of our production to be able to optimize inputs and provide transparency of all relevant parameters for our partners, different stakeholders” – explains Laslo.
Watch the interview with Laslo and learn more about their involvement in the DEMETER project.
Read MorePanel Discussion – IoT in Agriculture
Last month, we participated in the 30th Industry 4.0 conference panel. This edition was held as an online event, hosted by FEFA Faculty, Belgrade.
The main theme of the panel was Industry 4.0 and its significance for Serbia, and it was held through four sessions. One session was referred to the application of IoT technology in agriculture. Dr. Srđan Krčo was the moderator.
The panelists were David Blaževski – Fresh AgTech, Dr Vladimir Polaček – Scientific Institute for Veterinary Science, Novi Sad, Gordan Bašić – Association of Grape and Wine Producers Srem – Fruška gora, Spasenija Gajinov – DunavNET, and Dr Milan Dobrota – Agremo.
The whole session on the application of new technologies in agriculture is available on the FEFA YouTube channel.
Digital technologies for state-of-the-art wine production
The main challenges in grape production are related to management of pests and diseases and, in some regions, to optimizing irrigation schedules. How to save grapes from diseases and harmful insects, what is the right time to use pesticides, when to irrigate, how much water to use are some the main questions faced by winemakers. The current practice relies primarily on expertise and experience of farmers than on technology and measurements-based decision, resulting in sub-optimal activities, higher than necessary production costs and negative impact on the environment and soil as natural resources.
New IoT and AI technologies can not only provide real-time insights into the situation in vineyards, the environmental and soil conditions, vegetation status, utilization of machinery, record of activities and measures undertaken, etc., but also provide recommendations and advices on the best actions taking into account a multitude of parameters thus simplifying the decision process for the winemakers and significantly optimizing the operation.
About SREM – FRUŠKA GORA
The Association of Producers of Grapevine and Wines with Geographical Indication „SREM – FRUŠKA GORA“ is founded in 2015 as a result of desire of Fruška gora’s winegrowers and winemakers to continue the fabled grapevine growing tradition of this area and also to improve the production of grapevine and wine. Today, there are 77 grapevine and wine producers in the association.
The winegrowers of Fruška gora – leading the way
Last year in September H2020 DEMETER project was started as a large-scale deployment of farmer-driven, interoperable smart farming – IoT based platforms, delivered through a series of 20 pilots across 18 countries. Involving 60 partners, DEMETER adopts a multi-actor approach across the value chain (demand and supply), with 25 deployment sites, 6,000 farmers and over 38,000 devices and sensors being deployed.
Under the umbrella of the H2020 DEMETER project, DunavNET has started collaboration with the Serbian Association of producers of grapevine and wines SREM – FRUŠKA GORA. The association gathered 77 members with around 650 ha of vineyards on Fruska Gora mountain in north part of Serbia.
The main challenge farmers are faced with is how to save their crops from pests and diseases. Important role in meeting the challenge play new technologies which can help farmers to react on time thus preventing disease spreading and harmful insects’ overpopulation. Automatically created recommendations on when and what type of pesticide to use based on real time in-filed measurements will help farmers to optimize pesticide usage thus producing better crop quality but also reducing negative impact on the environment.
agroNET, a solution developed by DunavNET has been put in service within one of the DEMETER project’s pilots as the main decision support system. agroNET devices (weather stations and smart pheromone traps) are deployed across the Srem – Fruška gora association’s vineyards in order to provide real-time insight into environmental parameters and accordingly provide precise recommendations for controlling diseases as well as the population of grape moth.
The main results are preventing pest and disease outbreaks, cost savings and increase of the yields. A 20% reduction of the pesticide usage is achieved. Continuous monitoring of the number of caught insects without having to do on-site visual inspection significantly contributes to the reduction of monitoring costs. The number of insecticide treatments is reduced by approximately 15-20% and yield losses up to 10% thanks to real-time insights which also help in defining the right moment for using selected insecticides. Reducing the negative impact on the environment is an additional benefit. Last, but not the least, combining the art of grape production with the art of digital technologies and science will result in even better tastier wines.
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