Smart farming for food security and sustainability: facing the dilemma of small companies - the Siena Food Lab project

The relationship between smart farming and sustainability is at the centre of an open debate. The introduction of smart farming can represent an innovation and associated costs for many companies. It can lead to efficacy and effectiveness in agricultural practices, increase profits, and help address rural food insecurity. Nevertheless, small-scale enterprises can encounter difficulties when introducing smart farming and smart technologies, including start-up/conversion costs. This chapter examines the state of the art of smart agriculture in the agrifood industry, its relationships with sustainable orientation among small-scale producers, and the link to sustainable livelihoods as set out in the Sustainable Development Goals. It describes the Siena Food Lab Project, launched by the Santa Chiara Lab of the University of Siena, aiming to promote precision and smart agriculture among small companies operating in the Siena Province. Further, the chapter investigates how to improve firms' awareness of innovative solutions for achieving social sustainability and resource preservation. It demonstrates a partnership between the University and agricultural sectors in how to address eco-sustainability and livelihoods/food security of small-scale producers. Finally, the paper highlights the barriers that hinder small farmers from adopting smart farming practices and describes the benefits of establishing a dialogue among different stakeholders.