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Round Table 17/07/2025 Round Table AI and Data Management
Language: EN with subtitles
Tamta Mumulaidze, expert in digital tools and founder of innovative agri-tech initiatives in Georgia;
Alfiya Cayumova, CEO and founder of Green Growth, with experience in data-driven decision-making for sustainable agriculture;
Adrian Olteanu, Student in AI engineer and researcher from Romania and the Netherlands, with a focus on applications of AI for autonomous farms and rural support systems."
Quick summary
Quick summary
The Roundtable focused on exploring AI and data management applications in rural agriculture, with participants from Georgia, Romania, and Latvia sharing insights about various technological solutions and their implementation challenges. The discussion covered demographic challenges in agriculture, including an ageing workforce and the need to attract younger generations, while addressing concerns about traditional farmers' resistance to technological changes and the importance of preserving local knowledge while adopting modern innovations. The conversation ended with discussions about developing AI-based solutions for polyculture agriculture and the need for collaboration between different expertise areas to create inclusive and accessible digital platforms for farmers.
Full Summary
Full Summary
The Tuesday 17th Roundtable for Highland Community Manager Project began with Fabio welcoming participants and explaining that the session would be recorded. He noted that this was the third roundtable of the month and mentioned that the next key lesson would take place on the 26th. Participants were reminded to turn off their cameras if they did not want to be recorded and to change their names if necessary, as this was an informal session.
AI for Rural Agriculture Innovation
The meeting focused on AI and data management in rural agriculture, with speakers from Georgia, Romania, and Latvia sharing insights. Tamta from Georgia presented Agronapsis, a platform developed by the Georgian Farmers Association to support farmers with AI-driven crop suggestions. Adrian from Romania discussed the use of AI in small-scale farming, highlighting crop monitoring, soil management, and smart machinery. Alfiya from Latvia, who has experience with autonomous driving systems for agriculture, emphasized the potential of AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs in farming. The discussion aimed to explore how these technologies can benefit small family farmers in rural areas.
AI in Agriculture: Challenges and Solutions
Alfiya discussed the challenges of implementing AI in agriculture, emphasizing the need for data collection and analysis to develop practical tools that address farmers' specific needs. She highlighted the importance of gathering yield data from various crops to create effective AI solutions. Fabio agreed with Alfiya's perspective, adding that climate change requires integrating traditional and new knowledge, as well as improving digital literacy among farmers. Tamta suggested involving the youth generation in modernising agriculture through digital tools, given their familiarity with technology, which is particularly relevant in Georgia's ageing agricultural workforce.
AI Integration in Traditional Farming
The group discussed strategies for integrating AI and technology into traditional farming methods, with Adrian suggesting a hybrid approach that automates certain processes to minimize direct interaction with older farmers while preparing for future AI adoption. Alfiya highlighted the demographic challenge in European agriculture, noting that 35% of farmers are over 65, and shared EIT's research findings about young people's reluctance to enter the sector due to perceptions of hard work, isolation, and limited financial opportunities. The discussion concluded with Alfiya emphasizing the need to transform the older generation's mindset to view agriculture as a business rather than a heritage practice, leveraging climate change as a driver for adopting more efficient methods.
Italian Agriculture Demographic Challenges
The group discussed demographic challenges in Italian agriculture, where Fabio explained that in 30 years, there will be approximately 300,000 people over the age of 60, leading to an aging population and abandoned landscapes. Tamta suggested mixing traditional and modern sectors like green tech and agritech to attract younger generations, while Adrian raised concerns about traditional farmers potentially resisting technological changes. Alfiya and Fabio agreed that change is necessary to adapt to modern realities, though some traditional farmers may need to transition out of agriculture, and the project aims to combine traditional knowledge with scientific innovation.
Overcoming Skepticism in Agri-Technologies
The group discussed challenges in adopting modern agricultural technologies, particularly among skeptical farmers. Tamta highlighted the need for more trust and confidence in technology, noting that Georgia faces difficulties in data collection due to its diverse regions. They explored how AI models and existing tools like ChatGPT could help optimize knowledge exchange and farming practices. The conversation also touched on the importance of education and marketing solutions to promote technological adoption in rural areas, with Fabio and Adrian agreeing that overcoming skepticism would be a significant hurdle in implementing new agricultural innovations.
AI-Driven Local Farming Solutions
The group discussed developing a local farming knowledge transmission system using AI and data collection. Adrian proposed creating a chatbot-based solution that would leverage local data sources, including satellite imagery and sensors, to provide area-specific farming advice. Alfiya emphasized that their role is to provide tools and engage with farmers rather than push them towards digital farming, while Fabio stressed the importance of respecting local traditions and involving farmers in the conversation about farming practices.
AI in Polyculture Agriculture Challenges
The group discussed the role of AI in polyculture agriculture, with Alfiya and Adrian agreeing that while AI could help manage the complexity of multiple crops, there was a significant lack of data for training models due to the scarcity of open datasets for intercropped fields. Fabio highlighted that while there was historical data from the 1950s on polycultures, it needed to be translated into a format usable by AI systems. The conversation ended with Fabio emphasizing the need for collaboration between AI experts, anthropologists, agronomists, and foresters, while also stressing the importance of inclusivity and simplicity in digital platforms, with the next meeting scheduled for the last Saturday of July to close the key lesson session.
Round Table 10/07/2025 Remote working and Temporary residence
Language: EN with subtitles
Tina Koler : Legal expert and consultant empowering local communities through participatory planning and rural-urban innovation. At HiCoMa, she supports sustainable growth by equipping Community Managers to lead inclusive, place-based development.
Koembiya Malfatti Gutierrez social entrepreneur addressing Bolivia’s digital divide through rural internet initiatives. With 29 years of experience, she champions connectivity as a tool for equity, empowering underserved communities with access to education and economic opportunities.
Round Table 03/07/2025 → Web & Territorial Marketing
Language: IT with subtitles
Giorgia Carati Tourism strategist and cultural bridge-builder. At Life Beyond Tourism, she transforms storytelling and heritage into tools for dialogue, community empowerment, and sustainable cooperation across Europe, the Caucasus, and Africa.
Alvise Nicoletti Founder & CEO of ELAN42, where creativity meets code. From freelance roots to digital lab: we design strategies, host dreams & build digital futures. 🚀
Sara Micheletti Documentary photographer blending empathy and participation to tell stories of rural and mountain communities. Her work connects art, education, and territory to spark memory and future possibilities.
28/06/2025 Key Lesson#2 Entrepreneurial & Economic Development Community Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
28/06/2025 Key Lesson#2 Entrepreneurial & Economic Development Community Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Key-Lesson#2 replay (28 giu 2025) → Entrepreneurial & Economic Development
Oana IVan Anthropologist & filmmaker exploring human–nature ties in Romanian landscapes. Assistant Professor at UBB Cluj, collaborating with National Geographic, the World Bank & more through visual storytelling and environmental research.
Paolo Licata Tech entrepreneur driving open innovation and startup ecosystems.
Miguel Carneiro Entrepreneur & ex-mayor driving rural innovation. CEO @ Crius Consulting | Co-founder @ Green Solutions Lab. Passionate about community, EU projects, & renewable energy
Round Table 19/06/2025 → Territorial marketing and digitalisation.
Language: IT with subtitles
Round Table 19/06/2025 → Round Table: Cooperative models and economic governance
Language: IT with subtitles
Round Table 05/06/2025 → Business development and financing strategies
Language: IT with subtitles
Key-Lesson replay (31 May) → Community Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Key Topics:
Community and stakeholders' engagement
Participatory processes
Conflict prevention
Link to presented slides
Round-table replay (15 May) – “Understanding Participation in Rural & Highland Areas” → https://zoom.us/rec/share/KeljcsWtYki4_gcw1zLLN0C6wZJqhWJDfcJur-RwRqpaIzAVNdS0KOe7Y3Cinbbg.74E7lj98CocvVZ91
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