AgriSummit.Tech took place on June 8 and 9 in Belgrade and was attended by 150 producers, digital solution providers, business associations, cooperatives, experts, academics, and research and development organizations from Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Croatia. Particular attention was invested in the fruit, vegetable, and wine growing sectors, which have the greatest potential for the application of new ICT solutions. The conference provided a platform for knowledge exchange and networking between farmers and providers of digital and tech solutions. The aim was to promote the uptake of digital and innovative solutions among stakeholders in the region, improve the business processes and performance of the sector, and support the adoption of these technologies.

Digitalization has been a trending topic lately, but the application of digital solutions in agriculture in Western Balkans countries is insufficient. It is essential for climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental protection, and a green economy. Only smart agriculture can provide solutions for more efficient use of energy and inputs in production – to produce more and have less impact on the soil and atmosphere while saving energy and money. For this reason, the Big Small Businesses project from Serbia and the regional projects USAID EDGE and GIZ SEDRA II have joined forces to launch the first regional initiative dedicated to the application of available digital solutions for agriculture.

A dynamic first day offered all delegates the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive conference program that covered emerging global trends, tech solutions available in Serbia and throughout the region, success stories, the implementation and development of various digital solutions, and how new technologies can improve the sustainability and profitability of the agricultural ecosystem. In addition to the conference, the special focus was on the Mini Fair, which allowed attendees to get a deeper insight into the specifics of various AgTech solutions and to meet and interact with vendors of different digital solutions.

The second day of the event, June 9, was reserved for a tour of the Berry Log blueberry farm on Mount Kosmaj.  Attendees were able to see a demonstration of Smart Watering technology, a system for remote irrigation and fertilization using sensors, as well as a presentation of AgAR, a newly developed universal robotic platform for agriculture.