The Agrifusion project seeks to transform the country’s agricultural landscape by integrating digital innovation, policy reform, and stakeholder collaboration.
Large Language Models (LLMs) excel at synthesising globally documented knowledge but lack the fine-grained, real-time awareness required for field-level agricultural and rural-planning decisions. This paper introduces JackDaw, a spatially enabled chat-agent architecture that couples foundation-model reasoning with multi-modal geospatial data streams and a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipeline. JackDaw implements a tool-prefiltering mechanism that selects only those data connectors whose topical, temporal and spatial metadata match the current query, thereby mitigating the diminishing returns observed when LLMs are exposed to large, flat toolsets. Through LangChain-based orchestration the platform dynamically assembles workflows that range from lightweight natural-language processing models to domain-specific analytic kernels, while a value-engineering strategy allocates computationally intensive models (e.g., GPT-4-class) only to tasks that require broad contextual reasoning. Benchmark experiments on forestry-asset discovery and vineyard-site assessment demonstrate that JackDaw delivers location-specific, traceable answers that outperform a standalone proprietary LLM, which provides only generic or spatially misattributed responses. The results confirm that bridging global language models with local spatial intelligence markedly reduces hallucination rates and enhances the operational readiness of AI for sustainable agriculture and rural development. Index Terms—Large language models; geospatial AI; retrieval-augmented generation; context-aware agriculture; spatial decision support; tool prefiltering; JackDaw system; rural planning.
The stakeholders to be identified in this deliverable D2.1 database of the PoliRuralPlus project include local communities, governments, farmers, SMEs, industry associations, research institutions, NGOs, civil society groups, infrastructure providers, digital technology companies, financial institutions, and tourism sector representatives. These stakeholders play crucial roles in driving and shaping rural-urban linkages and opportunities within the project area. The database of the PoliRuralPlus stakeholders in the 9 pilot regions is defined, and how communication channels will be established with them, as the basis for the project’s analysis of the rural-urban linkages and opportunities as well as the Impact of COVID19, to identify the most appropriate integrated urban-rural strategies.
Methodological framework and toolbox for the creation of Regional Action Plans for the 9 pilot regions of the project. It is based on the use of Foresight. It includes methods for the co-design of no-code / low-code tools based on AI and automation to support RAP creation and other complex tasks of people working in local administration in rural areas of the EU. This provides a basis for cooperation with WP4. The results of these efforts will provide a basis for the updated RAP methodology guide D3.2 to be provided in M36 of the project.
The PoliRuralPlus Platform Design (D4.1) outlines the development of a modular, scalable digital ecosystem aimed at fostering sustainable, balanced, and inclusive rural-urban development. Building on the foundations of the original PoliRural project, the platform integrates advanced geospatial tools, AI technologies, and data sources to address regional development challenges. Key components include AI-driven models, data management services, and collaborative applications tailored to enhance policy-making, foresight analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The design emphasizes interoperability, real-time data integration, and user-centric development, ensuring adaptability within existing regional infrastructures. The platform supports objectives aligned with the European Green Deal, promoting innovation, resilience, and evidence-based governance strategies across diverse rural and urban regions.
Deliverable D5.1 "Prepared pilot by Stakeholder Multi-Actor Approach" is part of T5.1. collaboration with stakeholders identified in T3.2 is established to contribute to the preparation and development of Regional Action Plans (RAPs). Through the Multi-Actor Approach, communication with stakeholders helps identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities in the pilot regions.
D6.2 encompasses a series of activities designed to engage third parties in the project. The package defines the scope and objectives of the calls for third parties in line with the project's specific needs and priorities. It involves the development of a comprehensive open call documentation including guidelines for applicants, an application form and model contract for third parties.
This deliverable, D7.2 – Practice Abstracts (Batch 1), presents three concise summaries demonstrating AI-driven geospatial tools for rural-urban development. It highlights the use of open citizen science data (OpenStreetMap) for innovation mapping, AI-enhanced analysis of rural-urban linkages, and the superiority of the JackDaw agentic tool-calling system over standard LLMs. These abstracts serve as practical guides for policymakers, Open Call participants, and technical experts, fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and broader dissemination of PoliRuralPlus solutions.
This policy brief presents key findings from the PoliRuralPlus project, which supports sustainable rural–urban development across Europe. It highlights shared challenges and proposes strategic actions, including AI-enabled knowledge systems, FAIR data spaces, and support for circular economies and local food chains. The recommendations aim to guide EU and regional policies in line with the Green Deal and Digital Decade goals.
This report presents exploitation roadmaps to 2030 and beyond, based on Key Exploitable Results (KERs) and tailored to specific regions. The roadmaps encompass societal impact, research and innovation, capacity building, business and financial growth, and policy development, ensuring long-term benefits for rural and urban stakeholders.
The DEMO-IT project contributed to the exchange of experiences and the identification of stakeholders’ needs for the promotion and development of Short Food Supply Chain (SFSC) models in the Apulia region (Italy). Representatives of different local actors and experts of the local food system were invited to compile a questionnaire and participate to the focus groups organised by the project. The results of the consultation are reported in this document and will serve as an input for further discussion with regional policy makers about measures to improve and support SFSC models. Similarly, the information collected in this phase will be used in the next phase of the POLIRURALLUS project as a basis to exchange ideas and promote solutions that foster the local food system.
The DigiStake project aimed to support rural development in Slovakia through enhanced stakeholder collaboration and digital transformation. The main output of the project was the development of an online space, accessible at https://atraktivnyvidiek.sk, which facilitated the exchange of ideas, digital innovation, and integration into broader EU strategies. Through stakeholder engagement, user needs assessments, and the implementation of innovative digital solutions, DigiStake enhanced digital literacy and promoted sustainable rural development. The findings highlighted key challenges such as digital literacy gaps and limited stakeholder engagement, while proposed solutions included an interactive platform, participatory vision building, and targeted digital training.
The FarmTourist project was carried out as part of the PoliRuralPlus Outreach Call with the goal of connecting small and medium-sized farms, gastronomy, and tourism. The project focused on identifying specific needs and proposing practical solutions. During its implementation, data was collected from stakeholders and analyzed for more effective integration of local producers into the tourism infrastructure. The project’s outcomes provide a basis for the future development of the region and highlight important steps for strengthening economic sustainability.
Scoping Exercise to Identify Opportunities for Job creation and Business Growth in the Circular Economy in County Monaghan IRELAND.
PoliRuralPlus website Hub4Everybody integrates following components: Wagtail CMS, Map Management which includes Micka, HSLayers NG and Layman, QGIS - A Comprehensive GIS Software and QField - Mobile GIS and Data Collection App. The content of the Hub4Everybody is a feed for the AI solutions of the project. www.poliruralplus.eu https://wagtail.org
This tool is designed to merge the capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) with spatial predictors and an agentic approach to enhance geospatial decision-making. While LLMs excel at generating human-like responses, they sometimes struggle with domain-specific or complex tasks. To address this, the tool uses Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), allowing LLMs to retrieve specific context from specialized data sources like geospatial information.
Webinar of the PoliRuralPlus series, titled "Lessons Learned Part 1", was held virtually on March 27, 2024. The session aimed to disseminate experiences and knowledge accrued from the PoliRural project, focusing on Foresight methodologies applied across various European regions. The webinar featured insightful contributions from key participants including Gabriel O’Connelll and John O’Flaherty from the Monaghan pilot, Santa Vītola from the Vidzeme pilot, and Tuula Löytty from the Southern Finland pilot. They shared significant feedback based on their extensive experiences with the Foresight process within the PoliRural framework.
Abstract: This study explores a methodology for assessing territorial innovation potential using OpenStreetMap (OSM) data and geoinformation technologies. Traditional assessment methods often rely on aggregated statistical data, which provide a generalized view but overlook the spatial heterogeneity within regions. To address this limitation, the proposed methodology utilizes open, up-to-date OSM data to identify key infrastructure elements, such as universities, research institutions, and data centers, which drive regional innova- tion. The methodology includes data extraction, harmonization, and spatial analysis using tools like QGIS and kernel density estimation. Results from the PoliRuralPlus project pilot regions highlight significant differences in innovation potential between urban centers and rural areas, emphasizing the importance of detailed spatial data in policy making and regional development planning. The study concludes that OSM-based assessments provide spatially detailed targeted, flexible, and replicable insights into regional innovation potential compared to traditional methods. However, the limitations of crowdsourced data, such as variability in quality and completeness, are acknowledged. Future devel- opments aim to integrate OSM with official statistical data and other data resources to support more efficient and fair resource allocation and strategic investments in regional innovation ecosystems.
The PoliRuralPlus project has launched an innovative tool designed to support regional action plans, offering a digital "caddy" to guide stakeholders through complex data and planning processes. This tool, known as the PoliRuralPlus GPT, leverages the capabilities of advanced language models to provide tailored advice and insights specific to the needs of rural-urban regional planners.
The second webinar of the PoliRuralPlus series, entitled "Lessons Learned Part 2," was conducted on April 22, 2024. This session continued the exploration of the advancements and insights gained from the initial phase of the PoliRural project, focusing specifically on the development and application of innovative tools to support rural development. This webinar provided an in-depth discussion on three pivotal tools developed during the PoliRural project, aimed at enhancing the semantic analysis of texts, exploring policy options, and evaluating the attractiveness of rural regions. These tools are essential for stakeholders involved in regional planning and policy-making.
Economic Development Quality Monitoring System for the Vidzeme Region. The VPR EcDevMon project has developed a comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality monitoring system for the economic development of the Vidzeme region, ensuring a structured, data-driven, and effective approach to fostering long-term sustainability. This strategy is anchored in in-depth data analysis and active stakeholder engagement, creating a transparent and evidence-based governance framework.
TRAINING WEBINAR The third webinar in the PoliRuralPlus series, focusing on the Rural Area Planning (RAP) methodology, was conducted on May 8, 2024. This session provided an overview of the methodological framework designed to guide participants in developing impactful rural area plans.The workshop was dedicated to the discussion and dissemination of the RAP methodology, a structured approach intended to aid participants in crafting comprehensive and effective rural area plans. The methodology emphasizes the importance of thematic selection, particularly in areas requiring urban-rural policy coordination.