Authors: Ninon Violeau and Julie Menadi, ACTA
The CODECS project is pleased to announce the release of its policy brief on demonstrations: “Supporting demonstrations for the uptake of digital technologies in agriculture”. Developed by ACTA, the brief draws on the findings of the final synthesis report on demonstrations and the experience of 64 demonstration events across 20 Living Labs and 28 Demo Farms.
The brief addresses a central question: how can EU policy address the barriers that hinder the transition from digital technology demonstration to adoption?
From interest to adoption
Demonstrations can strengthen farmers’ understanding of digital technologies and support informed decisions. However, positive perceptions do not automatically lead to adoption. Financial constraints, technical skills, integration into existing farm systems and interoperability remain important barriers.
CODECS findings therefore highlight the need to connect demonstrations with local knowledge networks, farm-specific assessment and continued support, rather than treating them as isolated events.
Recommendations for EU policy
The brief proposes two complementary levels of action: strategic recommendations for EU policy and practical recommendations for future EU-funded demonstration programmes.
Recognising demonstrations as part of technology deployment
Future EU research and innovation policy, including FP10, should recognise peer-to-peer learning, demonstrations and advisory support as a distinct pillar of technology deployment. The uptake of digital technologies depends not only on technological maturity, but also on farmers’ ability to understand, assess and integrate solutions into their own farming context.
The brief also calls for stronger connections between demonstrations, local AKIS networks, advisory services and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support mechanisms. This includes involving trusted local actors from the outset, ensuring continued access to peers and experts after events, and linking demonstrations with appropriate advice, funding and investment support.
Meaningful participation requires adequate resources. The brief recommends funding the time and expertise of farmers, advisors and other field actors involved in hosting demonstrations. Financial participation incentives should also be considered when travel, repeated attendance or assessment activities create significant demands.
Designing future programmes for lasting impact
For future EU-funded demonstration programmes, the brief recommends three priorities:
- Generate farm-relevant evidence: combine technical and economic assessment with end-user feedback, and provide accessible results on costs, benefits, performance and compatibility with existing farm systems.
- Design demonstrations that are fit for purpose: allow flexible combinations of physical, virtual and hybrid formats. Make the complete digital workflow understandable and adapt activities to different technologies, audiences, levels of digital maturity and connectivity conditions.
- Track and extend impact beyond the event: monitor whether participants subsequently test, adopt or further disseminate technologies. Make demonstration resources accessible and reusable, and support the transfer of successful approaches across projects and agricultural contexts.
Together, these recommendations aim to ensure that demonstrations support not only awareness and learning, but also informed experimentation and practical adoption decisions. By connecting demonstrations with the wider support needed for adoption, EU policies can strengthen their contribution to the uptake of digital technologies in agriculture.
For more detailed information, the full Policy Brief is available on the CODECS website: https://www.horizoncodecs.eu/policybriefs/.
