We’ve had an exciting few months here at Phito. After releasing the very first prototype of the Phito App earlier this year, our partners across Europe have been busy testing it directly with farmers in the field. Now, we’re thrilled to share that the project has caught the attention of local media in Portugal. Phito – The farmer-tested app gains ground.
Last week, Canal N TV, a regional broadcaster in the Trás-os-Montes area, joined our Portuguese partner Appitad for a day of app testing in the field. Their visit resulted in a short feature video on their YouTube channel—highlighting not just the app itself but the collaborative, farmer-centered approach that defines Phito.
A Special Testing Location: The Phito Van
Our partners in Portugal had the unique advantage of hosting the Phito Van — our mobile office and meeting room — during the app testing phase, providing a convenient and engaging space for direct, face-to-face sessions with farmers. Over the past few weeks, the van has traveled across northern Portugal, bringing the app directly to the fields.
When the Canal N team visited, they had the opportunity to join the app testing and experience firsthand how the Phito Van transformed into a comfortable space for discussing the app’s features and gathering valuable feedback on what worked well and what could be improved in future versions.
Tomás Nunes Lavrador, who has been supporting local partner Appitad and leading the app testing efforts highlighted what makes Phito, the farmer-tested app unique. Unlike many digital tools developed in offices, the Phito App is designed in close collaboration with farmers, ensuring it truly addresses their needs.
“The project creates an app with farmers for use by farmers. Most available apps are developed in offices, and then the users—who are farmers—have some difficulty using them.”
Farmers See the Potential: Farmer-tested App
The media team also spoke with Marcos Paulo, a local farmer who has already tested the app prototype. He sees great potential in the app, particularly in its ability to help farmers monitor their plots and operations more efficiently. Marcos is especially excited about upcoming updates that will offer guidance on improving profitability.
Another feature that stood out to him is the planned community feature. The idea of creating a digital space where farmers can exchange tips, share alerts about pest outbreaks, and collaborate on best practices is something he sees as truly valuable.
Growing Interest in a Traditional Sector
So far, Phito and the Phito App have been presented to over two dozen farmers in the region—and this is just the beginning. While agriculture in Portugal remains a traditional sector, and many farmers are in their 50s and older, the feedback has been mostly positive so far. Our team is committed to making the app inclusive and accessible to farmers of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that no one is left behind as we move toward smarter, more connected farming practices and a sustainable future for farming.
We’re proud to see the Phito story spreading—and even prouder that it’s being told by the farmers who are helping shape it.
Watch the Canal N TV video feature here: https://www.canaln.tv/video-conheca-a-phito-aplicacao-oferece-interacao-digital-aos-agricultores
Photo Credits: Canal N TV (Video Crop)
