FAO held its first Global Conference on Smart Farming in Rome. The three-day meeting brought farmers, researchers, ministers, and businesses together. They discussed ways to grow food with fewer resources. Smart farming can use data, digital tools, and better farm practices. These methods may help farms face changing weather conditions, high costs, and worker shortages.
FAO said new technology must be useful and affordable for small farmers. Local knowledge should remain part of every solution. The conference included an exhibition with ideas from 29 groups. Some projects already support fruit and vegetable farms in Viet Nam and Uzbekistan. Participants planned to develop practical recommendations for countries during the meeting.