Toward a Digital and Sustainable Livestock Sector: Launch of CHOICE’s 2nd Spanish Pilot Campaign
On November 27, 2025, the second campaign of the Spanish CHOICE pilot was launched by Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de Andalucía (CAAND) during the XIX Jornada Técnica Ganadera in Cazalla de la Sierra, a key annual event in the Andalusian livestock calendar. This marks a pivotal moment in CHOICE’s journey to demonstrate how digital innovation can sustain and modernise traditional livestock farming.
The campaign brought together over 100 farmers, offering an opportunity to exchange insights and explore how digitalisation can support both resilience and profitability in semi-arid rural landscapes.
During the event, Obdulia Parra (CAAND) introduced the campaign to the audience and distributed a participation form to gauge interest in further digital transformation support. This local engagement reinforces the CHOICE project’s commitment to co-creation, ensuring that solutions are driven by the needs and knowledge of the farming community.
A Campaign Built Around Real Farmers and Real Solutions
Under the theme “Do you want to make your livestock farming more profitable? Go digital”, the campaign highlights proven practices already adopted by Andalusian farmers. These are not just aspirational ideas, but real-world solutions that blend innovation with tradition.
The campaign video features Juan Ignacio Fontán, a lifelong farmer from Finca La Higuera in Alanís, who demonstrates how digital tools are transforming daily livestock management in the dehesa — a unique Mediterranean agroforestry system.
Farmer Juan Ignacio Fontán during the filming of the first campaign video, sharing insights from his personal experience with digitalisation in his daily livestock farming practices.
“Technology is helping us manage more efficiently, with less effort and better outcomes, for our animals and the environment,” says Mr Fontán.
His experience showcases several key technologies:
- Sensor-based water monitoring, powered by solar panels, enables real-time alerts via mobile apps to ensure consistent and efficient water access for livestock — critical in drought-prone areas.
- Flow meters detect anomalies and support water-use planning across more than 30 livestock drinking points on the farm.
- Drones assist with herd location, guide livestock, inspect infrastructure, and monitor remote water points — significantly reducing manual labour.
- GPS-enabled collars with accelerometers provide real-time insights into animal location and behaviour, supporting precision livestock management and improving animal welfare.
Some of the technologies shown by the farmer are part of the DEMOFARM project. This is an initiative of the Regional Government of Andalusia, through which digital technologies are demonstrated on certain livestock farms.
Why This Matters for Climate and Agriculture
Extensive livestock systems — such as those practiced in the dehesa — are vital for biodiversity conservation, wildfire prevention, and rural livelihoods. Yet they are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, particularly in southern Europe.
The CHOICE project addresses these challenges by combining Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) with behavioural science and community-led engagement to support sustainable transitions in food and land-use systems.
This second campaign demonstrates how livestock farmers, digital tools, and collaborative networks can together drive the shift toward climate-smart, future-ready agriculture.
Learn More & Get Involved
Visit the campaign landing page to learn more about the practices being promoted and how to join the movement toward a more resilient, data-informed, and sustainable livestock sector.
- Visit the Campaign page of Spain
- Watch the video here on YouTube to see how Andalusian farmers are leading the change.
