FAO Global Conference on Smart Farming
The FAO Global Conference on Smart Farming brings together policymakers, researchers, technology providers, development organisations, farmers’ representatives and innovation stakeholders to explore how data and digital technologies support more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
Held in a hybrid format (Rome – FAO's headquarters – and online) from 1 to 3 July 2026, the conference focuses on the role of smart farming systems in improving agricultural management through more efficient use of resources, informed decision-making and enhanced environmental stewardship. Discussions address the opportunities offered by digital technologies, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and precision agriculture tools, while also considering the conditions needed to scale their adoption across diverse farming contexts.
The event provides a global platform for exchanging experiences and identifying priorities for policy, collaboration and investment, with particular attention to solutions that are scalable, context-adapted and accessible to small-scale farmers. Dedicated discussions also highlight the importance of digital skills development and the role of innovation in supporting youth and women’s entrepreneurship in agriculture.
The themes addressed throughout the conference closely connect with the objectives of agrifoodTEF, which contributes to strengthening the European ecosystem for testing and validating AI and robotics solutions for the agrifood sector.
Within the framework of the conference, Wageningen University & Research, as part of the agrifoodTEF ecosystem, contributes by showcasing the Farmmaps Foundation digital infrastructure for arable farming applications. The infrastructure supports testing of agricultural data models and precision agriculture solutions, and is presented throughout the three-day event via a dedicated booth and digital demonstration.
The conference takes place over three days, including an opening and ministerial segment, thematic deep-dive sessions, and closing discussions.