FarmGuard – Strengthening Cyber Security in Farms and Horticultural Enterprises
About this good practice
Cyber security threats are increasing in agriculture due to digitalisation, automation, and smart technologies used in food production. Finnish farms and horticultural businesses often lack resources, knowledge, or preparedness to deal with cyber risks, which can affect food safety, business continuity, and trust in supply chains.
FarmGuard addresses this gap by offering practical cyber security guidance tailored to agricultural enterprises. The project develops tools, organises workshops and scenario exercises, and collaborates with farmers, schools, researchers, and cyber security experts. Communication materials and e-learning are also created to support learning and adoption. The aim is to raise awareness, improve practices, and build resilience against cyber threats in the food sector.
The key stakeholders are farmers, horticultural entrepreneurs, rural advisors, ICT experts, educational institutions, and policymakers. The main beneficiaries are agricultural and horticultural enterprises that enhance their digital safety and crisis preparedness.
The project aims to establish cyber security as an integrated part of farm management and rural advisory services. It seeks to create replicable tools and training models that can be scaled nationally and internationally.
Long-term goals include influencing policy to recognize digital risk management as a core element of sustainable food systems, and strengthening resilience in rural areas.
Resources needed
Project Coordinator is SeAMK, co-implementer Jyväskylä University of Appl.Sc. Other partners are from the fields of cyber security, agriculture, ICT, education.
Budget is 267 551 €. 115 000€/European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, 152 500€/Rural Development Programme for Mainland Finland.
Evidence of success
The project has raised awareness among agricultural and horticultural enterprises, rural advisors and policymakers, supporting the long-term inclusion of cyber security in agri-food strategies. The project has strengthened collaboration between agriculture and ICT sectors, creating a transferable model for other EU regions. The project will create tools that are easily transferable also to other regions with the necessity to enhance their cyber security within the agri-food sector.
Potential for learning or transfer
The approach is scalable and can be adapted to other regions with similar digitalisation levels in agriculture. Key success factors include cooperation between technical and agricultural experts, clear communication, and practical focus. The model can benefit rural areas across Europe, especially where digital infrastructure is advancing but cyber security readiness is low.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
