Agriculture is undergoing a transformation. With challenges such as climate change, declining interest among young people, and the demand for more sustainable food systems, the question arises: how can modern technology be integrated with regenerative principles? And what kind of future can young people find in tomorrow’s agricultural sector?
As part of the Erasmus+ project “AgroYouth” we explored these pressing questions. The result is the DigitAgri Handbook – a compact and practical guide that sheds light on the digital, sustainable, and forward-thinking dimensions of agriculture.
Learning from the Field – From Vaduz to Wädenswil
In October 2023, young participants engaged in a 4-day training course held across Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The program offered a mix of hands-on experiences, site visits, and insightful discussions.
Here are some key highlights from the handbook:
Ernährungsfeld Vaduz & Planetary Health Diet
The "Ernährungsfeld Vaduz" visually illustrates the limited arable land per person – roughly 2,000 m². This learning site brings awareness to the importance of responsible resource use and plant-based diets. The Planetary Health Diet links human health with the planet’s ecological boundaries and offers practical insights into sustainable nutrition.
Milking Technology at Neufeldhof
At Neufeldhof, participants learned how digitalisation is changing animal farming. The farm is transitioning to a fully automated milking robot to improve efficiency and animal well-being. Experiments with insect-based feed also sparked discussions on future protein sources and animal nutrition.
Regenerative Practices at Agra
A standout visit was the one to Agra, an initiative of the Heilpädagogisches Zentrum Liechtenstein. Here, regenerative farming is practiced in sync with social inclusion. Fields alternate between crop production and rest phases, with clover used to naturally fix nitrogen in the soil. The farm also maintains bee hives and avoids synthetic inputs, promoting biodiversity and soil health.
Digital Farming at ZHAW
At the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), participants explored emerging digital applications in agriculture – including solar-powered mowing robots, mushroom cultivation with sensor monitoring, and programming exercises for automated irrigation. They also got hands-on experience with farm-bot prototypes and drones, offering a tangible glimpse into the next generation of smart farming tools.
Aquaponics: Understanding Closed-Loop Systems
The aquaponics facility at ZHAW demonstrated how fish farming and vegetable production can be integrated into a symbiotic, resource-efficient system. Fish waste nourishes the plants, which in turn purify the water – an inspiring model for sustainable food production with minimal environmental impact.
About the AgroYouth Project
DigitAgri was developed as part of AgroYouth – an Erasmus+ project that encourages young people in Liechtenstein and in Europe to engage with the future of farming. The course was coordinated by Integrity.Earth in collaboration with Pacto Verde and regional educational partners.
The mission: to combine education, innovation, and regenerative thinking, while empowering youth to actively shape the future of agriculture.
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