In the contemporary agricultural landscape, efficient management of agricultural holdings necessitates the integration of technical and economic data. This paper introduces an electronic platform that integrates data monitoring to meet the demands of modern agricultural practices. The platform offers a comprehensive solution, enabling farmers and stakeholders to collect, analyze, and utilize both technical and economic information. Through the utilization of modern technology, the platform provides user-friendly data input, processing, and visualization. It encompasses various features, including real-time monitoring of crop growth parameters, yield estimations, resource utilization, and financial performance indicators. Furthermore, the platform is designed to promote interoperability, allowing integration with existing agricultural management systems and data sources. This interoperability enhances the scalability and adaptability of the platform, ensuring its relevance across diverse agricultural contexts. By providing a unified solution for the integrated monitoring of technical and economic data, our electronic platform empowers agricultural stakeholders with the tools necessary for optimized resource management, increased productivity, and sustainable agricultural development. This paper presents the development, functionalities, and potential applications of the electronic platform, underscoring its significance in advancing agricultural practices towards greater efficiency and sustainability.
Agriculture emerges as a sector that greatly benefits from the advancement of innovative
technologies [
Many farmers find it difficult to understand accounting information and cannot use it effectively.
Research has proven that the use of accounting software helps to increase the profitability of
agricultural holdings. Over time, accounting is essential for obtaining strategic data. Many farmers
choose to hire accountants to get reliable advice to help them through the receiving process.
Accountants ought to utilize data-driven technological advancements more extensively, harnessing
this data to elevate strategic decision-making capabilities. [
The incorporation of new technologies in agriculture is described as the fourth agricultural
revolution [
This article introduces the electronic platform "Farm Economic Monitoring," which functions as
a tool for overseeing each production sector of a farm. The creation of this platform aims to assist
farmers in managing inputs and outputs for each growing season. The platform operates using data
on the requirements of each production sector. It subsequently provides results related to income
and offers information that aids in decision-making. [
The uniqueness of this project is evident in several ways. Initially, it is being implemented in the Region of Central Macedonia, with the goal of expanding it across Greece.
The primary purpose of the platform is to enable the active participation of producers in
monitoring and managing the finances of their holdings. The "Farm Economic Monitoring" platform
is built upon an existing structure from the Agricultural Informatics Laboratory within the
Agricultural Economics sector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. It is a crop monitoring
platform that monitors each production sector separately. As indicated in the existing literature, such
a platform does not currently exist [
The development of this platform unfolded in four stages. Initially, a license for the online platform was acquired. In the next stage, various tasks were carried out to create a beta application. Subsequently, the beta application was refined into an initial functional version, which was then piloted by members of three farmer groups in the vicinity of Thessaloniki. These farmers utilized the platform to identify errors in its current form and to emphasize additional functional customizations needed. Finally, based on the feedback from these user-farmers, the platform's final version was completed and is now hosted at the following link: https://fem.farmplanning.gr/. Upon entering the home page, it is necessary to create a profile and then select the year of registration of the information (Figure 1). The platform menu is divided into the entries part and the results part.
The registration section includes censuses, where information is recorded about production branches and parcels of land. It also includes an inventory of assets and loans for the selected growing season. At the same time, the entries section also includes diaries where daily work is recorded separately for each production branch. The final part of the entries includes incomes and expenses of the agricultural holding realized during the selected growing season (Figure 2).
The data entered undergoes automatic processing, following the rules of agriculture, accounting, and assessment [17]. The results section is characterized by its focus on decision-making, as based on these results, producers can make the most rational decisions for their crops. By combining the entered information with the necessary formulas, each user can be informed about (Figure 3): 1. The capital structure of the holding 2. The technical and economic data of the production branches 3. The variable cost of production branches 4. The working hours of the production branches (human and mechanical) 5. The gross income 6. Production costs (divided into land, labor, and capital)
To obtain accurate results, data entry into the diaries should be done systematically. With the platform's assistance, it becomes possible to reduce production costs and adapt to new CAP measures, as technical and financial data can be easily reviewed through the results.
Overall, the project aims to effectively manage farm inputs and outputs, identify best practices, and optimize processes for greater efficiency. The new information provided by the platform contributes to informed decision-making, influences the operational activities of the farm, and generates new data for continuous improvement.
The electronic platform "Farm Economic Monitoring" has been developed with the primary goal of streamlining operations for farmers and supporting their modernization efforts. The platform features user-friendly interfaces designed to deliver crucial information for informed decisionmaking. One of its key functionalities is the capability to record and monitor different crops separately, providing detailed financial insights into each production branch. This feature enhances financial management and optimizes production planning by leveraging essential data.
Furthermore, the platform aids in compliance with the latest CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) regulations, thereby improving eligibility for subsidies and ultimately increasing revenues. However, a significant drawback of the platform is the continual need for upgrades to incorporate new tools and adjust to evolving regulations. Despite this challenge, the platform's flexibility enables ongoing adaptation to new technologies, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness over time.
Successful utilization of the platform necessitates users familiarizing themselves with its functionalities and comprehending the insights it provides. By doing so, farmers can maximize the benefits of enhanced financial control, streamlined operations, and improved compliance with agricultural regulations.
The "Farm Economic Monitoring" electronic platform represents a substantial advancement in agricultural management, providing farmers with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture. In addition to its fundamental features of crop recording and financial monitoring, the platform acts as a centralized hub for integrating data-driven insights into operational strategies. By leveraging real-time data on crop yields, market trends, and financial performance, farmers can make proactive decisions that optimize efficiency and increase profitability. This proactive approach not only promotes sustainable farming practices but also enhances resilience against market fluctuations and regulatory changes. Moreover, the platform's capability to streamline compliance processes with CAP regulations highlights its crucial role in 141 securing subsidies and maximizing revenue streams. While continuous upgrades and adaptation to new technologies are essential, the platform's adaptability ensures ongoing support for farmers in optimizing productivity and striving for long-term success in agriculture.
This research was funded by the Rural Development Program (RDP) and is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and Greece, grand number Μ16ΣΥΝ200225.
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