The minister said that the key factor which could make it easier to introduce and use digital technologies in farming and the countryside were well organised education systems, the Agriculture Ministry said in a press release.

What is also required is the work of research institutes and the public service of agricultural consultancy, which transfer theoretical knowledge into practice, Pivec added.

"The state needs to make sure that technological solutions are available to users. It also needs to ensure accessibility of internet networks on the entire territory of Slovenia."

According to the minister, Slovenia uses and integrates Slovenian and European expert knowledge in the field of innovation and digitalisation in agriculture.

It already implements as part of the current common agricultural policy (CAP) programmes a series of measures with which it wants to connect the concept of smart villages with diversification of agricultural activities and local supply, Pivec said.

She added that as part of the CAP, Slovenia also supported the measures of the European Innovation Partnership, where innovative practices are being transferred to farms in cooperation between scientists, advisers and farmers.

Pivec stressed that the promotion of development and introduction of digital technologies did not only improve the competitiveness of farms and make use of resources more efficient and reduce environmental impact.

"This also increases the interest for farming among young people. Digitalisation is also one of the main fields of strategic planning of the future financial perspective and a potential tool for simplifying the implementation of measures and monitoring after 2021," she added.