All stakeholders working on the digital transformation of food and agriculture are facing important challenges. For the organizations, initiatives but also individuals supporting the role of scientists in both the public and private sector, important questions come forward:

• How close are we to the vision of a common data ecosystem?
• Do we still believe that a shared global data space will propel the industry forward?
• How important, relevant and possible is it to develop digital science infrastructures as collaborative and community-driven resources?

To take this discussion further, we have worked on a discussion paper on “Future Science Recommendations for Food and Agriculture” with invited contributions from Europe and the world. This work has been facilitated by the H2020 AGINFRAplus project, but goes much beyond to reflect upon the achievements (but also the failures) of the community so far.

This is why with pride and pleasure we announce the official publication of this discussion paper with invited contributions from Europe and the world:

By editing this volume, we have tried to take stock of where we stand today as a community. We are grateful to the contributions of important stakeholders and initiatives. In all the position statements that they have provided, we read the same message — and the same desire: let’s work more; let’s work together.