The majority of UK farmers remain “hesitant” about using agritech on their farms, with almost two-thirds yet to think about bringing technology into their businesses.
A survey of more than 2100 producers across the UK found 62% hadn’t yet considered investing in agritech, while 12% were still making their minds about spending on technology.
A further 8% had given agritech investment some thought, but decided it wasn’t right for them or their businesses.
Despite their reluctance, nearly a fifth of producers (19%) said they had invested or plan to invest in agritech — up from 13% on the previous year, according to rural insurer NFU Mutual, who carried out the survey.
Charlie Yorke, NFU Mutual farming propositions manager, said the hesitancy many farmers showed could be due to financial concerns, lack of knowledge about technology or little confidence in trying something new.
The perception that agtech is only suitable for larger commercial farmers could be another block to investment.
“Although it may sound daunting, the adoption of agritech doesn’t need to be resource intensive or expensive,” he explained.
Small can be beneficial
While some farming businesses had invested in complex, large-scale technology, such as self-driving tractors, alternative fuels and data-driven sensors, Mr Yorke said smaller, lower-cost technology, such as CCTV and weather sensors, could be just as valuable to producers.
“Simpler technologies such as gate sensors, RFID eartags or the integration of an online data system to assist with farm administration duties are all forms of agritech,” he added.
“There are plenty of low-cost innovations which could benefit [farms], making them safer, more secure and more efficient.”
The survey results come after Defra secretary Steve Barclay called on UK farmers to embrace the different technologies available to them.
Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference (January 4), Mr Barclay said he was keen for farmers to invest in technology that can be implemented immediately, such as mechanical weeding tools.
Grants would be made available during 2024 to help farmers invest in agtech and make their businesses more resilient and sustainable, he added.
