Castilla y León is taking firm steps towards the digital transformation of its rural areas, positioning itself as a national benchmark in the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), thanks to initiatives such as ‘Territorio Rural Inteligente’ (Smart Rural Territory) and the promotion of the European Centre for Digital Innovation DIGIS3.
Below, we share three cases of how agri-food companies in rural areas are leveraging AI to optimise their processes, improve their competitiveness and contribute to sustainable development:
1. Patatas Meléndez (Medina del Campo)
This Valladolid-based company has modernised its new plant with artificial intelligence and robotisation, enabling it to classify potatoes accurately and reduce operating costs. In addition, the Valladolid-based company is opening the doors of a new plant covering more than 21,000 square metres after an investment of 36 million euros, making it a modern, digital and innovative 4.0 factory which, despite technological advances and agricultural digitalisation, does not dispense with manual labour. Thanks to its increased competitiveness, the company has achieved a turnover of around 110 million euros, saved on energy costs and maintained around 500 jobs for direct employees and farmers it hires, which has provided an economic and technological boost for the region.
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Patatas Meléndez estrena en Medina del Campo una de las fábricas más modernas de Europa;
Patatas Meléndez inaugura su nueva planta en Medina del Campo tras una inversión de 36 millones
Meléndez arranca la fábrica de patatas más grande y moderna del mundo;
2. Bodega Cooperativa de Cigales (Cigales)
In collaboration with researchers from the European University Miquel de Cervantes, the winery has developed the AIwine project, the first rosé wine created entirely using artificial intelligence techniques. Thanks to the collection of data on consumer preferences, AI was able to define the optimal production process. The result: a wine tailored to consumer tastes, paving the way for the 4.0 winery.
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3. Bodegas Emina (Valbuena de Duero)
With its Bodega Eficiente 4.0 project, Emina uses IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and AI to optimise water use and manage the health of its vineyards. This technology reduces water use by up to 20% and improves grape quality.
The company's commitment to digital transformation and technological dynamism focuses on being able to integrate new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (to improve the performance of its production processes, the quality of its products and environmental sustainability), Big Data and IoT into its sector.
This year, its efficient agriculture programme, which incorporates artificial intelligence into its vineyards, will be completed. In addition, the implementation of a cybersecurity plan ensures the protection of its systems and data.
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How does DIGIS3 help to promote these cases?
At DIGIS3, we provide rural SMEs with key services such as digital diagnostics, technical advice, proof of concept, specialised training and support in finding funding. We facilitate connections between companies, knowledge centres and technology providers to make digital transformation an inclusive and effective reality.
Does your company want to make the leap to digitalisation? Contact us at info@digis3.eu
