The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Farmers doubt agri-tech Will help reach net zero
While most UK farmers are using agritech, many are doubtful of its ability to help them meet net-zero targets, a nationwide survey has found.
The AGRI-EPI research sought to understand how and why farmers are using agri-tech, shed light on barriers to its use and explore technology farmers think will be needed in the future.
It found 78% are using some form of agri-tech, with the highest adoption rates among younger farmers and those with large farms.
The biggest reasons are increased productivity and profitability.
Yet, while the same percentage (78%) believe it is important to reduce far greenhouse gas emissions (rising to 94% of those under the age of 45), just above a third (35%) are confident technology will help them reach net zero.
AGRI-EPI suggests one reason could be that farmers need greater skills and support to understand the benefits of technology and to adopt it. Half rate their skills in using agri-tech as good, with less than half (43%) feeling well supported in introducing or making better use of existing technology.
AGRI-EPI centre’s chief executive, David Ross, said: “While the majority of UK farmers recognise that agri-tech has an important role in supporting their priorities of productivity and profit, we are struck by the fact that only around a third felt tech has a role to play in environmental sustainability.
“Technology is one of the solutions to helping farmers reduce their emissions – agri-tech that helps farmers be more efficient and productive usually offers a win-win for sustainability.
“The findings of our research provide important insights for AGRI-EPI and our fellow Agri-tech Centres, as well as for those with a role in developing, evaluating and promoting technology, particularly the agri-food sector, policy makers, agri-tech companies and the R&D community.
“The farmers told us they need accessible training, funding, and more evidence and independent advice.”
Popular technologies include machine guidance systems (40% reported they are using this), soil mapping (35%), livestock growth monitoring (30%) and variable rate application (28%).
Robotics and automation also featured strongly in farmers’ thoughts on the tech that will be important for the future, along with the capability to integrate data gathered by different systems on the farm.