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Farm technology development continues to progress at a rapid pace. For example, over the past decade, we have seen the widespread adoption of precision technology including auto steer, section control, yield mapping, etc.
As manufacturers continue to develop more innovative equipment, one area that is often overlooked is farmer’s willingness to adopt these new technologies.
The Irish Farmers Journal spoke to Dr David Rose, Associate Professor of Agricultural Innovation and Extension at the University of Reading, about the barriers to new technology adoption at farm level.
Dr Rose explained that regardless of the new technology developed, if it isn’t adopted by farmers, then nothing has been achieved. Farmers have become even more aware of the potential issues of technology, such as data protection and security. These are now major barriers to adoption.
Ethics
Another issue often over looked is the ethical considerations of producing food with increasing levels of technology.
For example, he questions if consumers will purchase food produced entirely by robotics at the cost of farm workers.
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