D3.8 - Supervised regulatory sandboxes R1

This deliverable presents a strategic and operational framework for the development and implementation of regulatory sandboxes within the AgrifoodTEF project. Regulatory sandboxes are controlled testing environments where innovative technologies—such as AI, robotics, drones, and data-driven systems—can be tested in real-world conditions, including in cases where current regulations may not yet accommodate such innovations.

In the agri-food sector, which faces urgent challenges related to climate change, food safety, and sustainability, regulatory sandboxes serve as a critical mechanism to bridge the gap between innovation and regulation. They allow for supervised experimentation without requiring full compliance with market regulations from the outset, thereby accelerating technological development while preserving public safety and legal oversight.

Special attention is given to the legal requirements of the AI Act and the supporting role that AgrifoodTEF can play as a facilitator and infrastructure provider, not as a legal authority, but as a partner offering testing facilities, legal and technical expertise, and deep domain knowledge.

The deliverable includes practical examples of sandbox cases across Europe (Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, France, and Poland), highlighting use cases such as autonomous drones, virtual fencing for livestock, and AI for food quality control. These cases illustrate how technology providers and regulators collaborate to test innovative solutions under real-world constraints.

Conclusion: Regulatory sandboxes within AgrifoodTEF offer a powerful tool to enable safe, responsible, and forward-looking innovation in the agri-food sector. By providing a structured and collaborative environment for testing emerging technologies, they support the development of better regulation, reduce time-to-market for critical innovations, and strengthen public trust in AI and robotics applications in agriculture.