RESEARCH PROJECT

PROFARMED

Updated: August 2026

Project overview

The official name of the project:

Advancing Precision Livestock Farming Education

Project start: September 2024 Ending: August 2026

Project manager: Theodoros Ntallaris

Contact: Theodoros Ntallaris

Funded by: Funded by the European Union

More related research

Global goals

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action

Short summary

PROFARMED is an EU-funded Erasmus+ project aimed at strengthening higher education in precision agriculture. The goal is to equip farmers, veterinarians and agronomists with digital competencies for sustainable, data-driven livestock production in Europe.

European livestock production faces a complex combination of challenges: increasing global demand for animal products, climate change, stricter animal welfare requirements, and growing environmental impact. At the same time, the agricultural structure is changing rapidly - fewer but larger farms, labour shortages, and rising production costs are creating strong pressure towards greater efficiency and digitalisation.

Why is the project important?

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) - which combines sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and real-time monitoring of individual animals - offers concrete opportunities to address these challenges. PLF can improve animal health and welfare, optimise resource use, reduce environmental impact, and support farmers in making data-driven decisions.

Despite these opportunities, there is currently a significant knowledge gap in European higher education: many farmers, veterinarians, and agronomists lack the digital competencies and practical experience required to implement PLF technologies effectively and responsibly. Traditional educational programmes are simply not keeping pace with the technological developments in the sector.

Hypothesis

PROFARMED is based on the hypothesis that a structured, practical, and interdisciplinary educational programme in PLF - grounded in real-world case studies and proven implementations - can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. By integrating economic, social, and environmental perspectives into the curriculum, future professionals in the agricultural sector can become driving forces in the transition towards a more sustainable, digitalised, and competitive European agriculture.

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