The digitalisation of agriculture : opportunities and drawbacks towards the reduction of GHG emissions in agriculture

Abstract

Agriculture is a fundamental sector in the European Union (EU), contributing to food security, economic stability, and rural livelihoods. While agriculture is one of the sectors being affected by climate change the most, it contributes around 10% of the EU total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mostly through the release of methane and nitrous oxide. The application of digital technologies and tools in agriculture represents a significant advancement in the management of livestock and crop production, and simultaneously, can contribute to the reduction of the sector’s GHG emissions. These technologies, ranging from precision farming tools, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and remote sensing to artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics among others – enable data-driven decision-making aimed at optimising productivity, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. In livestock production, digital tools facilitate real-time monitoring of animal health, behaviour, and nutrition, while crop production benefits from field-specific input application, predictive modelling, and automated machinery. Collectively, these technologies contribute to the development of digital agriculture, enhancing food security and resilience in the face of climate change. The study adopts a fact-based approach, relying on extensive secondary data collected through a structured literature review. Stakeholder interviews were conducted from Estonia, Romania, Germany and Spain to enrich and contextualise the findings of the literature review. According to analysis of the secondary data, three dimensions of sustainability were identified and established as guiding pillars. These pillars served as the framework through which the impacts of digitalisation were assessed in a coherent and structured manner, essentially addressing the targeted research questions.