The report Review of the future of agriculture and occupational safety and health (OSH), published by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), summarises several OSH risks that affect European agriculture and forestry and threaten their long-term viability. This publication examines trends and issues affecting the future of these sectors, such as smart agriculture (precision farming, digitalisation, etc.) and other technological developments; climate change and environmental issues; societal and consumer trends; labour market and organisational issues; and international trade and economic considerations. The report identifies the resulting technological and organisational changes and defines the implications for workers’ OSH. It also examines new and emerging opportunities and risks, in particular the most imminent ones, i.e. those related to the digital evolution and those arising from climate change. The paper outlines numerous benefits and negative impacts of digitalisation in agriculture and forestry. One of the most important challenges highlighted is the uneven diffusion of these technologies across European regions and the lagging uptake of smart farming techniques compared to other sectors, especially among SMEs and small farms. The review aims to support policy makers at European and national level in their development of strategies, regulations and implementation, guidance and support measures.
