Within the scope of the KNOW4FARM project, the Field Visit Activity took place in Greece between September 30, 2024, and October 6, 2024, bringing together 15 VET trainers and experts from Türkiye, Belgium and Greece. Led by Smart Agro Hub, the program aimed to enhance participants’ practical knowledge and technical skills in precision agriculture (PA) technologies through hands-on training and site visits.
The first day focused on workshops held at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), covering key topics such as soil preparation, seeding management, smart irrigation, fertilization, crop monitoring, and harvesting processes. Participants explored the latest technological tools designed to optimize plant production with minimal resource use.
On the second day, a field visit to the experimental PA unit in Aliartos, Viotia allowed participants to witness real-time applications of PA technologies. Practical demonstrations included the use of drones, IoT-based sensors, and automated systems for monitoring soil and crop conditions. Attendees gained valuable experience in using innovative tools and techniques, directly interacting with experts to discuss best practices and challenges.
The following days emphasized precision livestock farming, with presentations and hands-on sessions covering automated feeding systems, live weight measurements, automatic milking processes, disease detection, and animal welfare technologies. These workshops highlighted the integration of robotics, AI, and sensor technologies to ensure sustainable and efficient livestock management.
Each session concluded with an evaluation and feedback discussion, ensuring participant engagement and capturing key takeaways. The program concluded with a final assessment and the delivery of certificates of attendance to all participants.
This activity played a crucial role in turning theoretical knowledge into practical expertise, fostering cross-border collaboration, and enhancing the participants’ ability to implement digital and sustainable agricultural practices. The hands-on experience gained during the visits contributed to closing the skills gap in the agricultural sector and supporting the project’s objective of building a competent workforce ready to embrace innovation.