The digital field notebook and its implementation in rural areas

What is the digital field notebook?

It is an electronic tool that allows agricultural professionals to record and manage all activities carried out on their farms. This includes data on plant protection treatments, fertilization, sowing, and soil work, among others.

The digitalization of this notebook facilitates information updates, remote access, and improved data organization. It also enables more accurate tracking, optimizing resource use and boosting the sustainability of the sector.

Implementation Deadlines: Who Must Apply It and Who is Exempt?

The implementation of the digital field notebook will be gradual. Initially, its mandatory use was scheduled for September 1st, 2023, but this has been postponed to September 1st, 2024, for farms with an agricultural area greater than 30 hectares, or 5 hectares if irrigated, or if the farm operates with greenhouses.

It will become mandatory for other farms on September 1st, 2025, provided they exceed 5 hectares of crops, or 1 hectare in the case of irrigated land, unless used for pasture without the use of fertilizers.

Exemptions are designed to avoid imposing excessive administrative burdens on small farms. However, the use of the digital field notebook offers significant benefits in terms of efficiency and regulatory compliance. Therefore, authorities recommend that all farms, regardless of size, consider implementing this digital tool.

The transition to a digital system can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with digital tools. This postponement gives farmers and ranchers more time to adapt to the new digital tool. It also aims to ensure that farmers have access to the necessary training and resources to adopt this technology.

Benefits for agricultural and livestock SMEs

The digital field notebook offers numerous advantages for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises:

1. Accuracy in records: crucial for precise input management and task planning, which in turn enhances productivity and sustainability.

2. Time and resource savings: by automating data recording, bureaucratic processes are simplified, freeing up time for more productive activities.

3. Improved farm management: real-time access to accurate data helps farmers optimize processes and increase operational efficiency.

4. Access to subsidies: with digital records, the necessary documentation is available to meet requirements for various subsidies, simplifying applications and multiplying opportunities.

5. Sustainability: thanks to more precise monitoring, this tool helps those involved in the sector optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact.

6. Competitiveness: These digital tools help farms remain better prepared to respond to market demand changes and regulatory shifts.

Challenges and considerations

Despite the advantages, the implementation of the digital field notebook presents challenges, requiring investment in time and resources. One of the main hurdles is the need for training and technical support for farmers.

Another challenge is ensuring data security and privacy. These digital records contain sensitive information about agricultural practices, so it's crucial to protect this data from cyberattacks. Platforms must comply with data protection regulations and provide robust security measures to safeguard this information.

Additionally, optimizing technological infrastructure is vital for the effective implementation of the digital field notebook. Farms in rural areas may face limitations in connectivity and access to digital devices. To address this, it's necessary to bridge these gaps and ensure that this tool becomes an asset rather than a hindrance.

In summary, the digital field notebook represents a significant advancement for the agricultural sector, providing better farm management and facilitating the adoption of sustainable and efficient practices.

In our resources, you will find more tools to improve the efficiency of your agricultural business. Don’t get left behind!