AgrifoodTEF: Boosting AI and Robotics in the European Agri-Food Sector

AgrifoodTEF is a European alliance that offers specialized reference sites open to technology providers across Europe to test and validate artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics solutions in the agri-food sector. This initiative, framed within the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme, provides large-scale experimentation environments that facilitate the transition of innovative technologies—both software and hardware—from the laboratory to market implementation, enhancing the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness.

The Spanish node of AgrifoodTEF, funded with 5 million euros provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food and the European Commission, brings together universities, research centers, companies, and technology parks. This collaborative network includes Gradiant, DATAlife, the Axencia Galega da Calidade Alimentaria, the University of Córdoba, Hispatec, the Parc Agrobiotech Lleida, the Centre d’Estudis Porcins, Agrotecnio, and the University of Lleida.

AgrifoodTEF primarily targets small and medium-sized technology companies focused on developing solutions for the agri-food sector. Specifically, it focuses on advanced technologies close to market readiness that, thanks to this European program, SMEs can validate in real-world environments at no cost. Through this, AgrifoodTEF helps farmers and producers access technologies that optimize key aspects such as water management and emission reduction, creating a more efficient and affordable food chain for European consumers.

Lines of Work in Europe, Spain, and the Northwest

The general approach at the European level is to develop Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) to foster reliable and applied AI. AgrifoodTEF, therefore, boosts the competitiveness of the agri-food sector through advanced AI and robotics tools.

At the national level, AgrifoodTEF operates in various technological areas aimed at improving agri-food production and sustainability through AI and robotics, distributed by geographical areas according to regional specialization. In Andalusia, the focus is on herbaceous crops, horticulture, fruit trees, extensive livestock farming, and the food industry. In Catalonia, the program emphasizes the pork sector, fruit farming, and agri-food data spaces.

In Northwestern Spain, specifically in Galicia, AgrifoodTEF focuses on technologies for dairy production and livestock digitization. These include:

• Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in livestock farming through AI algorithms to predict emissions and improve cattle feeding.
• Databases analyzing the composition of milk, feed, and forage.
• Test field and 5G Lab for monitoring and validating crop systems with technologies such as UAVs and unmanned vehicles (UxVs), as well as connectivity and sensors for precision agriculture and livestock testing.
• AI Lab for the testing and experimentation of AI solutions applied to the agri-food sector.

How to Apply for Services in AgrifoodTEF

The application process comprises several stages designed to ensure an accurate alignment between the company’s needs and the available resources:

1. Initial Contact: The company contacts AgrifoodTEF through its communication channels.
2. Needs Interview: An initial interview is conducted to identify the specific needs of the company and the technology they wish to validate.
3. Selection of Services and Providers: The AgrifoodTEF team reviews the application and recommends a specialized service provider.
4. Onboarding Process: In collaboration with the provider, the service request, objectives, methodology, and technical aspects are detailed.
5. Approval and Contract Signing: The request is sent to the AgrifoodTEF approval committee, which evaluates the project’s feasibility and alignment.
6. Service Execution: Once approved, the provider and the company implement the plan, conducting tests and evaluations.
7. Satisfaction Evaluation and Follow-Up: After the service, the company completes a satisfaction form, and AgrifoodTEF follows up on the long-term impact.

AgrifoodTEF has a five-year implementation period (2023-2027), and the complete process from application to execution will depend on the project’s complexity. Long-term follow-up is conducted to assess the benefits and contribution to the sector.

Benefits for Companies

AgrifoodTEF offers multiple benefits for companies seeking sustainable and competitive digital transformation in the agri-food sector. This European program provides access to test fields, AI labs, 5G labs, unmanned vehicles (UxVs), robotic machinery, and other types of advanced infrastructure. Since the services are free, SMEs designing AI and robotics technologies can access resources that would otherwise be very costly. The entities forming part of AgrifoodTEF offer guidance in data selection and designing testing scenarios to strengthen technologies.

Additionally, the test scenarios will be the most suitable for the technology being tested and can be located not only in Spain but across Europe. This opens opportunities for collaboration and networking with research centers, universities, and potential clients in various countries. Moreover, real-world testing increases the readiness level of solutions, making it easier to attract investors.

The AgrifoodTEF European initiative, supported by all consortium entities, facilitates the digital transformation of the agri-food sector, helping companies validate their t

This project has received co-financing from the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme under grant agreement No. 101100622 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.