Faster payments and savings for the public sector through the integration of services

In practical terms, what are the benefits for farmers?

The main advantage is time management – in other words, speed. When checks are carried out more quickly and efficiently, assessments can be completed sooner and payments can be made more rapidly. This means that funds reach agricultural businesses when they are actually needed. The timely availability of aid enables farmers to plan their activities more effectively, support investments and manage business expenses with greater certainty. At the same time, the administrative burdens on beneficiaries are reduced, as processes are digitised and computerised, and the number of physical checks that are not strictly necessary is minimised. Technology thus becomes a practical tool at the service of agriculture.

How does all this change the relationship between the public administration and farmers?

Let’s consider the inspection of a crop or an agricultural activity. In the past, it was often necessary to schedule an on-site inspection by the public administration, organise staff travel and wait for the time required to complete all the checks. Today, thanks to satellite imagery, georeferenced photographs and innovative tools such as Agrifoto, much of the evidence can be collected and validated digitally. For farmers, the Agrifoto app has been developed, representing one of the most advanced solutions in Europe: it combines the certification of the image – through geolocation and time-stamping – with automatic image recognition systems supported by artificial intelligence. This makes it possible to obtain reliable information much more quickly, reducing costs and administrative burdens. A true revolution, therefore, which puts farmers in a position to monitor their situation in real time and resolve – via a photograph – any critical issues. AGEA must also manage exceptional crisis measures. And this approach follows exactly the same logic: responding promptly. Exceptional crisis measures, even when linked to natural disasters, require rapid operational procedures. IT governance, data availability and service integration make it possible to adapt systems quickly to the measure and organise the necessary checks. We can use the information already available, gather new evidence and make it available to the offices managing the aid. I repeat: the aim is to ensure that resources reach businesses when they need them most.

Does this transformation also bring economic benefits?

Absolutely. The use of new technologies has already led to a significant reduction in on-site inspections in situations where checks can be carried out via satellite monitoring and digital evidence. In terms of savings, I would point out that this process has already resulted in savings amounting to approximately 10 million euros. For 2027, we plan to apply a zero-based budgeting approach to expenditure on traditional inspections, allocating resources only where they are actually needed. Thanks to this approach, we estimate further savings of around 23 million euros, which can be reinvested in technological innovation, service improvements and the strengthening of the Agency’s operational capabilities. This creates a virtuous circle, designed to reinforce the best practices we have adopted.

Does the European Union also support this approach?

Certainly. The European Union has strongly promoted the transition to continuous monitoring systems for agricultural land – the so-called Area Monitoring Systems (AMS) – recognising their ability to significantly reduce administrative costs compared with traditional models based predominantly on on-site inspections. Experience gained in recent years shows that satellite monitoring and the digital collection of data enable more extensive, timelier and less costly checks. The gradual roll-out of AMS represents one of the most significant innovations introduced in the management of the Common Agricultural Policy.

How does this development contribute to safeguarding the European budget?

A paying agency has two key responsibilities. The first is to pay aid promptly to eligible farmers. The second is to ensure that every euro from the European Union budget is used correctly. Technology makes it possible to achieve both these objectives.Thanks to the integration of databases, risk analysis tools, satellite monitoring and anti-fraud systems, we are better able to identify anomalies and potential irregularities, focusing inspection activities where the risk is greatest.This means protecting the European budget, preventing the misuse of resources and ensuring increasingly effective and transparent financial management. One figure stands out: through the implementation of the AMS, Europe has saved €186.8 million, with a potential for further savings of €42.5 million.

Has the digital revolution spearheaded by Agea also had an impact on the Agency’s internal organisation?

Yes. Technological innovation cannot be achieved simply by purchasing new IT tools. It requires a profound organisational transformation. This is why Agea has embarked on a major programme of internal reorganisation.In 2023, the Digital Directorate was established, tasked with overseeing the Agency’s information systems, data assets and technological innovation processes. At the same time, the Anti-Fraud and Risk Compliance Office was set up, tasked with developing advanced risk analysis tools, overseeing the prevention of irregularities and strengthening the fight against fraud. Digital transformation and the protection of public resources are now complementary elements of a single strategy.

Compared with the past, you have also strengthened data governance. Why?

Because data has become one of the Agency’s most important assets. The quality of decisions, checks and payments depends increasingly on the quality of the information available. For this reason, we have invested in building a reliable, consistent and continuously updated information base. Data governance ensures clear rules for data management and is an essential prerequisite for the effective use of artificial intelligence, advanced analytical tools and decision-support systems.Without high-quality data, true innovation is impossible. Agea boasts an information base of over 230 terabytes. It goes without saying that data governance is the crowning glory of the entire digital infrastructure.

What is the tangible result of this integration of data, controls and technology?

Today, Agea has an unprecedented capacity to monitor and oversee the territory. Satellite technology, georeferenced photographs, artificial intelligence and the integration of databases enable levels of coverage and monitoring that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.We can reach any location, assess routine situations more quickly and focus our inspection activities on cases that genuinely require further investigation. This improves the efficiency of the Administration, reduces costs and speeds up the process from inspection to payment.

How are you preparing for the new CAP and the challenges ahead for the agricultural sector?

The future Common Agricultural Policy will require systems that are increasingly efficient, integrated and capable of communicating with one another. That is why we are investing in the creation of a digital ecosystem in which data, applications, checks and payments are increasingly interconnected.The ability to adapt systems rapidly to new European rules will be one of the key factors in ensuring continuity and effectiveness in the delivery of aid. AGE’s direction is clear: to continue and accelerate the digitalisation process already underway. The results achieved demonstrate that technology delivers tangible benefits for farmers, the administration and the country as a whole. For this reason, we intend to continue investing in innovation, artificial intelligence, database interoperability, satellite monitoring and fraud prevention tools. The aim is to build an increasingly modern Agency, capable of ensuring rapid payments, smart checks, the efficient use of public resources and full protection of the European Union’s budget.We want every technological innovation to translate into a tangible benefit for farmers: less red tape, greater efficiency, increased transparency and aid disbursed as quickly as possible. This is the direction we have chosen and will continue to pursue in the years to come.