At the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), a postdoctoral project has been launched with the aim of developing an innovative IT solution for farmers. The research plans to create a prototype of a mobile application that would help assess how sustainable a particular farm’s operations are and provide recommendations for improvement.
Sustainable agriculture is becoming a key prerequisite for competitiveness and access to financing. Increasing attention is being paid to how farms impact the environment, manage resources, and care for their employees and society. However, until now, there has been no simple yet scientifically grounded tool that allows these aspects to be assessed in an integrated way.
The new application will combine several essential assessment principles into a single digital solution. It will integrate life cycle assessment, environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, as well as sustainable finance instruments. This means that farmers will be able to gain a clear overview of their farm’s strengths and areas for improvement, while also receiving information about opportunities to attract funding for further development.
The project will deliver at least a Technology Readiness Level 2 (TRL2) prototype, meaning a conceptually developed and initially validated technological solution with clear development potential.
The project’s scientific lead, Associate Professor Aija Pilvere, emphasises: “The research falls within the priority area ‘Knowledge-Intensive Bioeconomy’ of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, highlighting the project’s strategic importance and its focus on creating high value-added solutions.”
International experience will also be integrated into the development process through cooperation with the Global Network of Lighthouse Farms and the Global Lighthouse Academy, initiatives closely linked to Wageningen University, one of Europe’s leading institutions in agricultural and food sciences.
To ensure practical applicability, the project will analyse case studies of Latvian farms, involve relevant stakeholders, and organise a seminar for industry representatives. The research results will be published in international Q1 and Q2 scientific journals and presented at international conferences. Researcher mobility activities are also planned to facilitate the transfer of best international practices.
The project duration is 36 months, starting on 19 February 2026, with total funding of EUR 183,298.
The project title is “SustainAgriFinTech: Integration of Smart Digital Solutions for Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Financing Using Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Indicators”, project No. 1.1.1.9/LZP/2/25/220 (PD11).
