Exploring the Future of Digital Farming in the Netherlands: QuantiFarm DIA Training Session in Etten-Leur
On 6 March 2025, the first combined QuantiFarm Digital Innovation Academy (DIA) National Training Session for arable and fruit farming advisors was held in Etten-Leur, the Netherlands. Organised under the Horizon Europe QuantiFarm project, this Train-the-Trainer event brought together 26 participants from across the Dutch advisory landscape to exchange knowledge, explore digital innovations, and strengthen their role in driving digital transformation in agriculture.
A Sector-Specific Dive into Digital Tools
The session, titled “Onderzoek & Innovatie: DAT’s in de open teelten”, aimed to deepen advisors’ understanding of Digital Agricultural Technology Solutions (DATSs) and their practical application in arable and fruit production. Participants included a diverse mix of junior and senior advisors, students, and even policy professionals, creating a rich environment for intergenerational learning and peer exchange.
Led by Jan Kiers (Delphy), the session opened with a comprehensive introduction to the QuantiFarm project, its pan-European test cases, and the QuantiFarm Assessment Framework and Toolkit. These tools are designed to support advisors in evaluating and guiding the uptake of DATs under real-life farming conditions.
Technology in Action: From Fruit Orchards to Arable Fields
Expert presentations showcased cutting-edge applications in both sectors:
🔹 Han Smits (Munckhof) introduced precision DATs for fruit farming, including GPS-guided and vision-based spraying, PWM nozzle control, and drone-assisted scouting. These tools, many of which are featured in the Dutch QuantiFarm test case, help optimise input use and boost traceability and crop health.
🔹 Jacob van den Borne, a pioneer in precision potato farming, shared insights on sensor-based crop monitoring, UAV technologies, soil mapping, and variable-rate fertilisation. His presentation offered an in-depth view of how digital farming is evolving in arable contexts.
Interactive Learning and Sectoral Dialogue
Participants broke into sector-specific breakout groups to reflect on key conditions for successful DAT adoption, such as trust, user-friendliness, and training. Discussions highlighted common barriers, including investment costs, digital literacy, and data management challenges.
Across all sessions, the QuantiFarm Toolkit was referenced as a valuable resource for helping advisors guide farmers in navigating the growing landscape of digital solutions.
Participant Feedback: Engaged and Inspired
Feedback on the session was notably positive. Attendees appreciated the relevance of the content, the quality of expert speakers, and the opportunity for open discussion on why digital tools are not yet more widespread in Dutch agriculture. The diverse participant base — ranging from students to senior consultants — enriched the exchange of perspectives and created momentum for continued peer learning.
As digital farming tools become increasingly integral to sustainable agriculture, sessions like this help bridge the gap between innovation and real-world adoption. The Etten-Leur training marked a meaningful step forward in equipping Dutch advisors with the insights, tools, and confidence to support digital transformation on the ground.