On 10 June 2026, AcrossLimits, a partner within the PoliRuralPlus project successfully launched its four-part event series with the online session "Next-Gen Farming: Technology in Action", bringing together farmers, rural entrepreneurs, researchers, public authorities, SMEs and innovation enthusiasts to explore how digital technologies can help shape a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture.
Organised as part of the Malta Pilot, the webinar supports the project's Regional Action Plan by raising awareness of practical technologies that can strengthen rural communities, improve farm resilience and encourage innovation across the agricultural sector. During the session, participants discovered how digital solutions can move beyond theory and become realistic, accessible tools for everyday farming.
Turning Innovation into Practical Solutions
The webinar was opened by Maria Elena Muscat, Head of Projects at AcrossLimits, with an introduction to the PoliRuralPlus project and the objectives of the Malta Pilot, highlighting how collaboration between farmers, researchers, businesses, public authorities and rural communities is helping transform regional challenges into practical actions for sustainable rural development. The Malta Pilot focuses on strengthening digital skills, supporting climate-smart farming, encouraging youth engagement and fostering stronger links across the rural innovation ecosystem.
AcrossLimits' Managing Director, Angele Giuliano, together with Technical Projects Officer Clarissa Cremona, presented a range of digital technologies that are already transforming agriculture, particularly in small-scale farming environments such as Malta. Their session showcased practical examples including:
- Remote crop monitoring using sensors, weather stations, drones and satellite technologies.
- Smart irrigation systems driven by real-time soil moisture and environmental data.
- AI-supported pest monitoring and early warning systems.
- Remote livestock monitoring through connected sensors and IoT devices.
- Hydroponics, vertical farming and other innovative production systems suitable for limited land availability.
The presentations focused on technologies that help farmers save time, optimise resources, improve decision-making and build resilience in the face of climate change and increasing resource pressures.
Learning from Real-World Experience
The session also featured two distinguished guest speakers who shared practical insights from their own work.
Jo Sakota, Co-Founder of Bio Aqua Garden, demonstrated how innovative agritech solutions can support sustainable food production while creating new opportunities for younger generations entering agriculture.
Environmental scientist Jordi Pietx explored how place-based innovation, collaboration and ecological thinking can help rural communities adopt digital technologies in ways that respond to local needs and realities.
The webinar concluded with an interactive panel discussion and audience Q&A, allowing participants to discuss barriers to technology adoption, opportunities for collaboration and practical pathways towards smarter, more sustainable farming.
Continuing the Conversation
"Next-Gen Farming: Technology in Action" marks the beginning of a four-part event series exploring digital innovation for rural development. Future sessions will continue to examine practical technologies, entrepreneurship, agritourism and business innovation that can help strengthen rural economies and create new opportunities for communities across Europe.
If you were unable to attend the live session or would like to revisit the presentations you can now:
- Watch the webinar recording below.
- Download the presentation slides.
- Share the webinar with colleagues and others interested in the future of digital agriculture.
By connecting knowledge, innovation and practical experience, PoliRuralPlus continues to support farmers, entrepreneurs and rural stakeholders in building smarter, more resilient and more sustainable rural communities.
Existující komentáře