Precision farming may favour large farms

Precision farming has been promoted as a sustainable technological solution to reduce fertiliser, pesticide and water use through efficiency gains. However, as the implementation of this technology requires significant investment, large farms could gain a competitive advantage, driving out small farmers who often use more environmentally friendly farming practices. In addition, precision farming requires large amounts of data to be used and stored, which could lead to increased energy consumption if implemented on a large scale.

Nº 130
some attempts made
past case
Region-1
Region-2
Region-3
Region-4
ongoing case
no attempts made

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Precision farming may favour large farms

Precision farming has been promoted as a sustainable technological solution to reduce fertiliser, pesticide and water use through efficiency gains. However, as the implementation of this technology requires significant investment, large farms could gain a competitive advantage, driving out small farmers who often use more environmentally friendly farming practices. In addition, precision farming requires large amounts of data to be used and stored, which could lead to increased energy consumption if implemented on a large scale.

Precision agriculture (PA) is gradually being adopted in various plantations across Brazil, offering farmers both agronomic and economic benefits while reducing the environmental impacts associated with fertiliser use. However, before the 21st century, limited access to knowledge about PA and insufficient financial resources prevented small farmers from adopting this approach. This disadvantage has historically favoured larger agribusinesses, hindering the widespread adoption and growth of precision agriculture.

Borghi, E., Avanzi, J., Bortolon, L., Junior, A. L., & Bortolon, E. (2016). Adoption and Use of Precision Agriculture in Brazil: Perception of Growers and Service Dealership. Journal of Agricultural Science, 8 (11), 89-105. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jas.v8n11p89.