DIGI-Rangelands Survey Results from Bulgaria Presented at IDARA 2026 International Scientific Conference

The preliminary results of the DIGI-Rangelands survey on the digital innovation needs of rangeland farmers in Bulgaria were presented at the Sixth International Scientific Conference “Innovative Development of Agricultural Business and Rural Areas” (IDARA 2026).

Organised by the Department of Natural Resources Economics at the University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria, the two-day conference was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation. The event provided a platform for presenting scientific findings,exchanging expertise and discussing current challenges and opportunities related to innovation, digitalisation and the sustainable development of agricultural businesses and rural areas.

The conference programme featured 35 presentations by 48 authors representing eight universities, four research institutes and one non-governmental organisation from seven countries: Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Albania, Spain, Iceland and France.

The presentations covered a broad range of contemporary topics, including the economic resilience of agriculture in the face of supply shocks, food security, the blue economy, climate sustainability, water security, energy efficiency, the bioeconomy and the circular economy. Digitalisation, the digital readiness of rural areas and the application of artificial intelligence also featured prominently, alongside practical approaches to improving business performance and resource management.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanka Kazakova-Mateva presented the preliminary findings of the Bulgarian survey exploring the digital innovation needs of rangeland farmers. The survey was conducted as part of the DIGI-Rangelands project, which aims to share knowledge and promote the practical application of digital technologies and innovations to support ruminant farmers and land users in advancing sustainable livestock farming in rangeland areas across Europe.

The survey sought to gain a better understanding of the needs, barriers and expectations of farmers and other stakeholders involved in or working with rangeland livestock farming systems. The findings are intended to help identify relevant digital solutions and support their effective application in the sustainable management of rangelands and livestock farming.

Discover more about the survey results in Bulgaria in the presentation.