Photo source: © https://www.poliprespa.com/to-programma

At the heart of Prespa’s agrarian landscape lies a tradition of primary sector engagement, particularly in bean cultivation. Collaborative efforts between the Prespa Protection Society (EPP) and the American Agricultural School (AGS) under Poliprespa’s umbrella have set out to revolutionize farming practices through precision agriculture techniques. By introducing precision agriculture to organic crop cultivation, the aim is twofold: enhancing production yields and quality while minimizing environmental impact. This strategic approach empowers farmers with the tools to adapt farming methodologies to the nuanced needs of their fields, especially crucial in the delicate ecosystem of Prespa National Park.

The inception of the pilot program in 2020 marked a pivotal moment in Prespa’s agricultural evolution, coinciding with the onset of the growing season and involving six organic bean growers. Guided by seasoned experts from AGS, farmers received personalized guidance through regular consultations and on-site visits. Soil analyses and sensor installations facilitated data-driven decision-making, informing precise irrigation schedules and fertilization strategies tailored to each parcel. Furthermore, the establishment of a meteorological station augments agricultural planning with accurate short-term and medium-term forecasts. As the Poliprespa program unfolds, it aspires to serve as a beacon, illuminating pathways for smart agriculture implementation in protected areas worldwide.

The full text of the good practice is available to read and download in PDF format from the AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning platform, section “Good practices”. You just need to search for it by name using the search box.

You will find additional 45 good practices, initiatives and use cases in the AgriSkills Reference Catalogue titled “AgriSkills Guidebook on Digitalization in Agriculture”.

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Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000034651

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Cover photo source: © Nehru | Dreamstime.com